David C. Parker, Jr., saved Juan Jimerson from drowning, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, March 11, 1986. Jimerson, 20, struggled to remain afloat after he was pulled by a strong undertow into deep water of the Gulf of Mexico. David, 16, high school student, who was on the beach, immediately entered the water and swam the 300 feet through large waves to Jimerson, who was semi-conscious. Reaching Jimerson as he submerged, David dived, surfaced with him, and took him to shore, having to fight the undertow en route. Jimerson was hospitalized for three days, and he recovered.
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