Everett P. Evenson saved Paula S. Reed from drowning, Eugene, Oregon, July 7, 1960. While swimming in the McKenzie River, Paula, 16, floundered 80 feet from the bank, was submerged briefly, and then called for help as she struggled to say afloat. Everett, 16, schoolboy, who was somewhat tired from extensive swimming earlier, entered the water and reached Paula as she flailed wildly in water eight feet deep. Before he could obtain a hold on her, Paula grasped him around the neck with both arms and attempted to climb onto him, causing both to be submerged. Paula released him and struggled to the surface. Standing on the bottom, Everett grasped Paula’s legs and thrust her five feet toward the bank. He then surfaced behind her as she continued thrashing. Everett twice submerged himself erect behind Paula, each time trusting her five feet farther toward the bank before returning to the surface. Winded by his exertions, he then took hold of Paula’s arm, as she grasped his shoulder. Everett towed Paula 25 feet to wadable water and aided her to the bank.
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