Douglas C. Hickman helped to save an unidentified man from drowning, Pinecrest, California, September 2, 1961. While two men were swimming and diving in Pinecrest Lake, one of them encountered some trouble with his heavy diving gear and twice called for help before sinking 125 feet from the nearest bank. Hickman, 38, truck driver, who was fishing near the bank, heard the calls for help and saw the man, about 35 years old, sink. He jumped into the water fully clothed, losing his shoes in the mud. After swimming 115 feet to where bubbles were rising in the muddy water, Hickman dived from the surface in water 15 feet deep. He found the man, who was inert, about seven feet under water. With repeated efforts, Hickman returned to the surface holding the man who, with his diving gear, considerably outweighed him. Hickman had to submerge again in order to get the man to the surface. He then supported him while trying in vain to release the diving gear. His efforts caused both to be submerged briefly several times, and Hickman swallowed some water. By that time his legs were aching, and he was becoming winded. Hickman then saw the other swimmer at the surface 15 feet away and called to him for assistance. The man swam to them and released his companion’s diving gear, which sank. Together he and Hickman then towed the man to the bank, where he was revived.
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