Billy A. Nix helped to save Teresa E. Williams and died attempting to save Tamela A. Williams from drowning, Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, July 18, 1970. Teresa, 11, and Tamela, 6, non-swimmers, were frolicking in wadable water in the Atlantic Ocean when they were caught by a rip current and carried seaward. They called for help. Nix, 32, insurance adjuster, who was fishing from shallow water in the area, swam to 150 feet from shore and reached Teresa in water 25 feet deep. Despite the current, Nix towed Teresa to water five feet deep within 50 feet of the beach. Giving Teresa to another man who had entered the water, Nix then swam in pursuit of Tamela, who still was being carried seaward. Nix sank before reaching Tamela; and both drowned.
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