John S. Schram saved Howard T. Bailey from drowning, Grand Bend, Ontario, August 20, 1923. While swimming in Lake Huron, Bailey, 25, salesman, who was an expert swimmer, got into distress at a point 500 feet from shore. There were waves 4.5 feet high and a strong undercurrent, and the water was rough. Schram, 40, physician, who had refused to accompany Bailey on account of the current, was swimming over a safer course and was 200 feet from shore when his attention was attracted. He swam 300 feet across the current to Bailey and then swam with him toward a pier 225 feet distant. When he had swum 100 feet, he was unable to progress farther against the current. Bailey then became panic stricken, and in a prolonged struggle he kicked Schram in the abdomen and elsewhere and ruptured him. Schram’s legs were temporarily paralyzed. The men were separated at times, and Bailey lapsed into unconsciousness, but Schram supported him while floating and then swam nearer to the pier. A boat that was taken to them capsized. After repeated efforts had been made to throw a rope from the pier to Schram, Schram swam 15 feet, caught hold of the rope, and swam back to Bailey. Both were then drawn to the pier, but they could not be raised and were repeatedly knocked against the jagged side by the waves. Finally Schram and Bailey were drawn along the pier to shore. Bailey was revived. Schram’s rupture necessitated an operation, and he was wholly or partially disabled for a year. 23743-2169
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