DeForrest V. Wade, 61, mechanical engineer, saved Samuel Benson, 42, from drowning, Atlantic Beach, Florida, August 14, 1966. While swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, Benson was caught by a seaward current and carried away from shore. Unable to swim out of the current area, he called for help. Wade was swimming in the vicinity and swam 200 feet to Benson, reaching him in deep water 400 feet from shore. He obtained a hold on Benson, who outweighed him by 50 pounds) and with some difficulty towed him clear of the seaward current. Wade then began towing Benson shoreward; and both were submerged briefly twice. By the time he had towed Benson 150 feet, Wade felt himself tiring. He persisted in his efforts and, after towing Benson 150 feet farther, reached wadable water. Both Benson and Wade were very fatigued by the time they had waded to the beach.
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