Roy R. Somers helped to save Robert L. Krick from drowning, Orlando, Florida, July 20, 1960. When a small plastic boat in which he was riding sank in Lawsona Lake, Robert, 11, called for help as he stroked feebly in water 12 feet deep 200 feet from the bank. A 13-year-old boy who had just left the boat swam back to Robert, who grasped him. Badly winded after being submerged twice, the boy then swam alone to the bank as Robert continued working his arms and calling for help. Somers, 29, insurance office supervisor, removed his shoes and trousers and entered the water. He swam to Robert, who then was 190 feet from the bank. After cautioning Robert not to struggle, Somers took hold of him with both hands. Using only his legs for propulsion, Somers swam 90 feet toward the bank while holding Robert in front of him. Somers, who had a weak knee, then suddenly became badly tired and sank, releasing his hold on Robert, who remained afloat. Returning to the surface with some difficulty, Somers supported Robert in water eight feet deep and called for assistance with him. By then James Fitzmaurice, who was 64 years old, had been attracted. He entered the water and swam to Robert, who then was 90 feet from the bank. As soon as Fitzmaurice had hold of Robert, Somers swam to the bank with effort. Fitzmaurice swung Robert behind him and told him to hold to his shoulders. With Robert on his back, Fitzmaurice swam 80 feet to wadable water 10 feet from the bank. The other boy then reached them and took Robert to the bank as Fitzmaurice followed.
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