Media availability: Gold Life Saving Medal to be awarded in Clarksville, Indiana

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 10/21/2019 04:10 PM EDT

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News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Heartland
Contact: 8th District Public Affairs
Office: (504) 671-2020
After Hours: (618) 225-9008
Eighth District online newsroom

Media availability: Gold Life Saving Medal to be awarded in Clarksville, Indiana

  • Who: U.S. Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley
  • What: The Coast Guard is awarding the Gold Lifesaving Medal to Ann Rothpletz
  • When: Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at 5:30 p.m.
  • Where: Falls of the Ohio, Interpretive Center, 201 W Riverside Dr., Clarksville, IN 47129

NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard is awarding the Gold Lifesaving Medal to Ann Rothpletz for her heroic efforts, during a ceremomy in Clarskville, Indianna, Tuesday.

Lifesaving medals are presented to individuals who rescue or attempt to rescue another person from drowning, shipwreck or other peril in the water, and are issued in two grades; a gold medal for the extreme risk of one's own life in the rescue and a silver medal for all other instances.

On July 7, 2017, Rothpletz was visiting the Falls of the Ohio State Park with family and friends. The group noticed two fisherman who needed help after they were swept away by the rising water and current from the McAlpine dam gates opening. Rothpletz quickly jumped to action, made sure 911 was called, ensured someone was watching her kids and then jumped into the water to swim after the men. With no hesitation, she risked her life for complete strangers. She was able to reach one of the men before it was too late. He was unconscious and face down in the water. She flipped him over and assisted him to shore where they were met by emergency responders who provided medical care. Her swift actions saved his life.

Capt. Amy Beach, commander of Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley will be available immediately after the ceremony for on-camera interviews.

The ceremony is a private, invitation only event, but media is welcome to attend. Media planning to attend the event should RSVP with Ensign Matthew Asire at 502-216-1802 or matthew.j.asire@uscg.mil no later than 12 p.m. Tuesday. 

 

 

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