Richard M. Baron saved Robert D. Bergeson from drowning, Hobart, Indiana, May 15, 1957. While swimming in Lake George, in which depths were above normal due to heavy spring rams, Robert, 15, schoolboy, was carried into the swift current of a channel 45 feet wide connecting two sections of the lake. He was submerged briefly in water 12 feet deep and called for help as he struggled to stay afloat. Richard, 15, schoolboy, who also had been swimming, dived from a pier into the water and swam 30 feet to Robert. As Richard took hold of him, Robert wrapped his arms and legs about him, causing both boys to be submerged briefly. Breaking Robert’s hold, Richard began towing him out of the channel, in which there was no wadable water. Robert continued to struggle frantically, grasping Richard a number of times and causing him to be submerged. Each time he did so, Richard broke free, secured another hold on Robert, and continued towing him. Aided by the current, Richard towed Robert a total of 90 feet, moving out of the channel and to within 15 feet of the bank. Another boy met them and assisted Richard in taking Robert to the bank. 44963-4366
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44963-4366