Richard E. Dowsland saved Everett C. Dowsland from drowning, West Eaton, New York, October 14, 1951. A motor boat in which Everett, 41, iron molder, his nephew Richard, 18, schoolboy, and the latter’s father were riding in Eatonbrook Reservoir capsized in deep water 95 feet from the bank. Everett, a poor swimmer, and the others rose and briefly supported themselves at the bow, which projected just above the surface. They attempted to draw the boat to the bank but, finding the craft was secured by its anchors, they began swimming toward the bank. Everett, who was heavily clothed, immediately became tired. Reaching Everett, Richard towed him to 75 feet from the bank and then observed that his father, who was 10 feet from them, had submerged. Richard released Everett swam to where his father bad sunk, and drew him to the surface. Returning to Everett, who was almost exhausted and had been submerged briefly several times, Richard obtained a hold and with difficulty swam towing him to 35 feet from the bank. There Everett, who was 25 pounds heavier than Richard, struggled and seized the latter’s free hand, preventing him from swimming. They were submerged briefly, Richard forcibly freeing himself from Everett. He regained his hold on Everett and with great effort towed him to shallow water. By then Everett was semiconscious. Richard’s father reached the bank safely. Richard ran a quarter of a mile and summoned aid for Everett, who recovered. 42415-3797
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42415-3797