Robert B. Washam saved Richard J. Campo from drowning, Stuart, Florida, September 6, 1986. Richard, 16, was the driver of a car that, in a highway accident, left a bridge and submerged, upside down, in the 12-foot-deep water of the Indian River. Unable to escape the car, Richard was rendered unconscious. Driving nearby just after the accident, Washam, 30, environmental health director, ran to the water’s edge, jumped in, and swam 100 feet to where the car had sunk. Hampered by poor visibility and a strong current, Washam dived several times to the car before he was able to open its passenger door. Reaching inside to his waist, he seized Richard and pulled him out. Washam surfaced with Richard and, with others, took him to the bank. Richard was revived, and, after hospitalization, he recovered.
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