Robert Hand

Robert Hand saved a boy from drowning, Kooskia, Idaho, July 13, 2024. A boy, 10, was wading in a calm section of the Selway River when he entered the river’s main channel, with a swift current, while attempting to grasp an inflatable pool ring. The boy then struggled to swim against the current as he was pulled downstream. On a rocky beach nearby, Hand, 50, fisheries biologist, was stowing equipment after completing a field expedition with a group of coworkers when he saw the boy struggling in the river. Afraid the boy might be swept toward rapids farther downstream if he hesitated, Hand did not retrieve nearby rescue aids out of fear the boy would be pulled too far away to assist him. Hand ran to an access road along the river, allowing him to maintain eyes on the boy, before cutting through a gravel parking lot to the river’s edge. Hand, wearing a T-shirt, swim trunks, and wading boots, waded out about 5 feet before diving into the water. He swam about 75 feet to the flailing, panic-stricken boy, who was attempting to remain afloat. Hand reached and calmed him successfully before threading his left arm under the boy’s right arm, at which point he used his left arm and shoulder to elevate the boy’s head. Using his right arm, Hand then swam with the current about 150 feet. Hand then swam about 75 feet to wadable water and carried the boy to safety on land. Hand remained with the boy for several minutes before returning to his group. The boy was visibly tired but otherwise unharmed. Hand was fatigued but suffered no ill effects.

2024-0000296-10510