Barbara V. Davidson, 26, private secretary, helped to save an unidentified young woman, about 19, and assisted in an attempt to save Richard C. Urban, Sr., 35, salesman, from drowning, Amityville, New York, July 24, 1948. While bathing in rough surf in the Atlantic Ocean, the young woman, who could not swim, and a young woman companion, who was slightly larger and a poor swimmer, drifted into water beyond their depth and screamed for help. Miss Davidson who with Urban and his wife Anna Rita, was standing in shallow water near shore swam, followed by Urban, 115 feet through breaking waves three and a half feet high, to the smaller woman, who could not swim and was farthest from shore. The woman was hysterical and grasped Miss Davidson around the neck. They were submerged, and Miss Davidson forcibly freed herself. Miss Davidson upon rising took hold of her and towed her 10 feet toward shore with great effort. Urban reached them and got a hold on the woman. A wave broke over them, and Miss Davidson swallowed water and felt distressed. She released the woman and floated to regain strength. Urban with difficulty towed the woman 15 feet farther and called for aid. Miss Davidson swam 20 feet to them and again got a hold on the woman. Urban gasped that he was exhausted, released the woman, and began swimming weakly. Miss Davidson towed her 30 feet farther to a man who was a good swimmer and had swum out to give aid. He took the young woman to shore while Miss Davidson resumed floating. Mrs. Urban, who had rescued the other woman, saw Urban floating face down and asked Miss Davidson to aid him. Miss Davidson swam 15 feet to Urban, who was limp, and tried to turn him over but lacked the strength. She then towed him 30 feet toward shore. Mrs. Urban reached them and aided her in towing him an additional 45 feet and dragging him to shore. Urban was unconscious and could not be revived. Miss Davidson collapsed from exhaustion but recovered.
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