LAKE CHELAN, Wash. – A Chelan County man was honored for rescuing a family whose camping trip almost turned deadly after their boat started taking on water.
Rick Lough was on his boat with his family and their 10-week old puppy, Ginger, in a remote area of the lake. The Lough’s boat capsized.
The whole family had to tread water. Lough said his teenagers are strong swimmers and did not panic. He held onto a cooler with the puppy inside.
About 15 minutes later, Steve Byquist spotted something in the water.
Byquist was piloting a boat for Pool Engineering and was taking workers down the lake when he saw the Loughs.
“Right time, right place, right equipment, right crew,” said Byquist.
On Thursday, the community recognized Byquist for his life-saving actions. Byquist was presented with the Governor’s Lifesaving Award.
The Loughs are still working to figure out why their boat sank, but said they are so thankful for Byquist’s heroic actions.