Raymond Wywadis, Jr., saved Victor J. Girardi from drowning, Hummels Wharf, Pennsylvania, February 10, 1998. While fishing in the Susquehanna River, Girardi, 48, was thrown from his boat into the frigid water. He attempted to return to the boat but could not, then, weighed down by his clothing, he tired in his attempts to swim to the bank. He called for help. Wywadis, 37, was fishing from the bank in that vicinity when he was alerted to Girardi’s plight. Removing his outer attire, Wywadis entered the 45-degree water and waded and swam to Girardi, who by then had submerged at a point about 250 feet from the bank. Wywadis grasped Girardi and swam back toward the bank, towing him. When they had reached wadable water, two other men entered the river and assisted in removing Girardi to the bank. Girardi and Wywadis both required hospital treatment for hypothermia, and they recovered.
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