Delaware County native credited in California rescue
Erik Conatser helped save a 14-year-old boy from drowning in the American River.
By NICK WERNER
nwerner@muncie.gannett.com
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A 2000 Delta High School grad credits his experience on the high school swim team with helping him save a 14-year-old boy from drowning in a California river.
Erik Conatser, 28, formerly of Delaware County, was rafting on the American River with friends when they spotted Chris Williams struggling to stay afloat on Aug. 15.
Williams, who was preparing to raft with his church youth group, had just jumped about 40 feet into the water from a pedestrian bridge and was not wearing a life jacket.
"As soon as he came up he was screaming for help and the current in this river was really strong," Conatser said.
As Williams was swept underwater and downstream, Conatser and his friend, Ramu Linsky, jumped in after him.
Conatser and Linsky, who both serve in the Coast Guard, swam around 250 to 300 yards in the cold, murky water before they felt Williams' body bump into their legs.
Conatser and Linsky pulled Williams' lifeless body to shore.
Not only had Williams stopped breathing, Conatser and Linsky couldn't find a pulse.
They administered CPR for about three minutes before Williams recovered.
"You expect it to be like in the movies where they spit up all this water and recover instantly, but it wasn't like that at all," Conatser said.
A medical helicopter transported Williams to UC Davis, where he spent one night in the hospital before doctors released him.
His mother, Sarah Williams, said Christopher has made a full recovery.
"The kid got Powerball-level lucky," she said. "No broken bones. No internal injuries. Everything that could go right did go right."
Williams said she is grateful beyond words for Conatser, Linsky and all the other emergency personnel who helped with the rescue.
Conatser doubted he would have rescued Williams in time if it weren't for his swimming background.
Conatser swam the 100-meter breast stroke and 50-meter freestyle and was part of a 200 freestyle relay team that holds the Delta record.
He is currently a petty officer second class stationed on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche.
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Great job guys. Nice to know that even off duty you have the courage to jump into a rushing river to save a life.
