On June 9, 1997, Ray Lawson rescued an eight-year-old boy from drowning in Angus, Ontario. The boy was swimming with friends when he was caught in the strong current of the swollen Nattawasaga River and carried to deeper waters, clinging onto a tree branch. Alerted by the older boys that their rescue efforts had failed, Mr. Lawson rushed to the scene, dove into the fast-flowing river and swam toward the young victim. Twice, he managed to reach his side but the rushing waters pulled him past the panicked boy who repeatedly disappeared under the surface. On his third attempt, Mr. Lawson managed to catch the child and lift him to the surface. Exhausted and struggling to stay afloat, he then held onto him and continued to battle the swift waters until help arrived and both were pulled to safety.