If swimming in the Thames was dangerous, boating also posed real risks. In January 1885, two boats collided on the river at Putney. The five men in the smaller boat fell into the river; unfortunately one of them, an E Mackenzie, was unable to swim. The Rev Garnish was in the larger boat, but jumped into the water to rescue the drowing Mackenzie. Unfortunately, in his panic Mackenzie dragged his rescuer under the water and both were drowned.
Garnish was a recently-ordained curate. Sadly, his first name was unreported both in the press and on the Watts Memorial:
G GARNISH, A YOUNG CLERGYMAN WHO LOST HIS LIFE IN ENDEAVOURING TO RESCUE A STRANGER FROM DROWNING AT PUTNEY, JANUARY 7 1885.
