Vladas Sowko saved Colin W. Mallett and Garry E. Snelling from drowning, Weston, Ontario, March 18, 1969. Colin, 8, who could not swim, was floating on a piece of styrofoam on the Humber River and was carried over a dam. In turbulent water six feet deep at the base of the dam he became caught in the reverse current. Snelling, 18, dived into the turbulent area to aid Colin but was pulled under and, losing consciousness, was tossed about in the turbulence. Vladas, 16, high school student, ran to the river bank down stream from the dam, removed his shoes, and waded to deep water. He was unable to swim upstream against the strong current. Colin was thrown clear of the turbulent area and floated downstream. Vladas found footing in water five feet deep and braced himself against the current. He intercepted Colin and took him to the bank. Snelling also was thrown out of the turbulence; and he revived and called for help as he drifted downstream. Vladas also intercepted Snelling and took him to the bank.
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