Last Saturday I went to Whitson Lake to test out a boat.
Following my ride, I was in the process of loading the boat
back on to the trailer. I unwisely stood on the trailer and
slipped. My leg went between the bunk and the trailer frame,
and I landed in the water.
The water was turning red around my leg. I had  a
six-inch gash that was all the way through to the muscle. I
called 911 for an ambulance-an eight minute response, which I
think is very good service.
I pulled the boat up beside my van on the launch and used my
shirt to contain the bleeding. Just then a father and son asked
if I was hurt. They got me large sterile pads from their first
aid kit and offered to load my boat and take it to my home. The
ambulance had arrived by then, so I was trying to answer the
paramedic's questions, write my address on a business card, and
tell the guys where the tie downs and other necessary items
were located in the boat. I asked their names as I was being
rolled into the ambulance, but unfortunately I can't remember
them.
Upon arriving home from the hospital, my van was backed into
the driveway. The father and son had left the keys with my son.
It is sure a great thing to live in a town where you can give
the keys to your vehicle to a perfect stranger and not even
think twice about it. I found out from my wife they came by the
house today to see how I was, but unfortunately I was sleeping.
As an avid boater I know that helping out others on the
water is just part of the activity, but these guys went above
and beyond, so I wanted to thank them publicly.
Al Lockhart
Hanmer