An eastern Kentucky man says he would be dead if it weren't for one local mayor.

Prestonsburg Mayor Jerry Fannin saved 24 year old Chad Conley from drowning on Memorial Day

During a special program, Conley, along with city and state officials said thank you.

Prestonsburg Mayor Jerry Fannin and Chad Conley act like old friends, but this is only the second time they've seen each other.

“I'm real lucky to be here today,” Conley said.

Conley doesn't even remember the first time he and the mayor were together.

It was at Dewey Lake on Memorial Day.

“I gave up on energy and I'm not the best swimmer in the world, and I started going under, and all I remember is Mayor Fannin,” Conley said.

“I'm just glad I was there,” Mayor Fannin said.

Mayor Fannin got him out of the water and did CPR until he came back to life.

“That's why I'm here today,” Conley said.

“I told Chad, it's been a long time since I had a CPR class, so it had to be God, so I give him credit,” Mayor Fannin said.

Still, state officials felt he should get some recognition.

For Conley, he says this is his third chance at life.

He almost died in a car accident nine years ago and has now survived a near drowning.

“I just want to thank him for being there at that moment for saving me,” Conley said.

He doesn't plan on getting in the lake again.

Conley wasn't wearing a life jacket when he nearly drowned.

He says he hopes his story will lead to more people wearing a life jacket and learning CPR.