I sailed with the fellow mentioned in this story. Not a bad story for an ex-sailor (BTW the water around here averages 54d F year round)

Parking attendant rescues woman from Inner Harbour

Times Colonist March 24, 2005

Victoria police are praising Robbins Parking attendant Jason Astles, who jumped into the chilly water of the Inner Harbour Tuesday night to rescue an 18-year-old woman. Astles, 26, heard the woman calling for help about 10 p.m. while he was in the parking lot at 1208 Wharf St. A 911 call was placed by a man on a boat.

Police said Astles first lowered himself into the water from a pier and grabbed hold of the woman, but soon lost his grip. He then jumped in after her, and was able to hold on to both the woman and a rope that was thrown to him. By then, police were on the scene and helped him get the woman to safety. Paramedics checked the woman, who was intoxicated, and was taken into custody. Police said she had ended up in the water after being pushed during a fight with a second woman, who disappeared by the time officers arrived.

© Times Colonist (Victoria) 2005