Cameron T. Andersen helped to save Margarita Preciado from drowning, Stinson Beach, California, May 16, 2009. While swimming in the Pacific Ocean, Margarita, 16, was pulled seaward by a very strong current and was unable to return against it. On the beach, Andersen, 23, laborer, became aware of her situation. He removed his outer attire and waded and swam out to Margarita, allowing another man who had swum out to her to return to the beach. Andersen positioned his body beneath Margarita, who was nearly exhausted, to keep her afloat. They were joined shortly by another rescuer who had swum out from the beach. The two men attempted to swim back to shore with Margarita, but they made no progress against the current. Supporting her, they were carried farther seaward as they awaited help. After several minutes, two lifeguards, one with a paddleboard, reached them. Andersen and the other rescuer helped place Margarita on the paddleboard, and she was returned to the beach by one of the lifeguards. The other lifeguard remained with the men as they swam back to shore, resting en route with the aid of the lifeguard’s flotation device. Margarita required overnight hospital treatment, and she recovered. Andersen was cold and tired, and he too recovered.
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