Almost 30 years ago, a part-time bartender at Waterloo House leaped into an electrified swimming pool, risking his life to save ten-year-old visitor Steve Aggett.

Now Mr Aggett is asking for the public’s help to find the man who saved him — Ian Williams.

“It’s something that stuck with me and I have always wanted to reach out to the person that saved my life and thank them,” Mr Aggett said. “It’s something that is very, very close to me. It’s had a huge impact on my life. I would just love to have the opportunity to thank him or even to come back to the Island to thank him in person.”

The accident happened on the evening of June 16, 1987, as Mr Aggett was swimming in a pool with his uncle, Owen Lynch. It is believed that a malfunctioning light in the pool sent an electrical current through the water.

According to reports, Mr Williams jumped into the water fully clothed after hearing Mr Aggett cry out and successfully pulled both from the water with the help of bystanders. Mr Williams also provided CPR for Mr Lynch, who was later rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. In an article published in The Royal Gazette days after the incident, Mr Williams said: “It’s something you do because you’re there at that time and you do it to try to help somebody else.

“I heard the little boy making a lot of noise and I immediately jumped up and ran to see what the problem was. I saw the man in the pool and my basic reaction was to get in and bring him out. I didn’t give it a lot of thought.”

Mr Aggett, who lives in the UK, said he remembered the incident well but only found out about the newspaper articles after his aunt had died.

“My maternal father drowned in a fishing accident while my mother was expecting me,” he said. “Owen was like a father to me growing up. My aunt kept the clippings, but she never let me see it.”

After reading the articles Mr Aggett reached out, asking The Royal Gazette to help him find and thank Mr Williams.

“Before the incident, he was just a nice man who my uncle and myself spoke to, but when the accident happened, he put his own life at risk. He jumped into a swimming pool filled with electricity to pull myself and my uncle out. I believe he jumped in twice. When he pulled out my uncle, he gave him CPR and I think he did get my uncle’s heart going, but unfortunately he did die later.”

He said the only details that he has to track Mr Williams are those mentioned in the article. At the time of the incident, Mr Williams was 34 and, in addition to working at Waterloo House, he was also employed by Purvis Ltd. In addition, the story mentioned that Mr Williams had learnt first aid while in the Royal Bermuda Regiment.

“I would understand if he has just put this behind him, but in some way, just letting him know how thankful I am would mean something,” Mr Aggett said.

If you are Ian Williams or know him, please contact The Royal Gazette