By Nicole June
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Three teenage boys received the Lifesaver award at a Montgomery County Commission meeting this week for their heroic acts that saved the life of a drowning man.
On June 24, 19-year-old Joshua Williams and his friend were spending time on the Cumberland River at Lock B South in Montgomery County.
Williams said he slipped off a boat ramp and fell into the water. Because he is not a great swimmer, he panicked and soon realized he was starting to drown. His friend tried to help him, but kept getting pulled under the water with Williams.
Three teens who were approximately 400 yards away saw what was happening and swam to the area where Williams had gone under. The boys were able to pull Williams from the bottom of the river and took him to the boat ramp. They began CPR after seeing that Williams had turned blue and was not breathing.
“I was just so thankful that those guys were there to save me,” Williams said. “You guys are just angels.”
Williams was then transported to Tennova Hospital for treatment, where he said the nurses were very helpful.
EMS Chief Jimmie Edwards arranged for Williams to meet his rescuers at the commission meeting as Preston Gibbons, Zachary Gibbons, and Dylan Williams received their awards.
“We have three true heroes,” Edwards said. “We are proud of your selfless act in a precarious, hazardous situation.”