Albert W. Doetzer, 16, schoolboy, helped to save M. Joanne Wilkins, 15, from drowning, Ocean City, Maryland, July 31, 1953. While bathing in the Atlantic Ocean, Miss Wilkins and her 13-year-old brother were caught in a strong riptide; and the brother slipped from an inflated tire tube and was drowned. Miss Wilkins was carried away from the tire tube and drifted rapidly into deep water 650 feet from shore and became unconscious. Informed of her plight, Albert ran 75 feet and entered the water. In heavy surf within 100 feet of shore Albert reached a man who barely had obtained footing and assisted him to safety 25 feet from shore. Then Albert swam 700 feet to Miss Wilkins through waves four to five feet high and took hold of her. The riptide had lessened in force but still was fairly strong. With difficulty Albert towed Miss Wilkins 125 feet toward shore, where he supported her for five minutes by treading water. A lifeguard who swam to them and Coastguardsmen in an amphibious vehicle took Albert and Miss Wilkins to shore. Miss Wilkins suffered from shock, and Albert was extremely tired. Both recovered. 43159-3957
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