Frances J. Gorthy, 16, schoolgirl, helped to save Margaret L. French, 11, from drowning, Glide, Oregon, July 15, 1927. Margaret fell into deep water in North Umpqua River and was carried by a strong current to a point 65 feet from the bank. Frances, who was almost fully clothed, swam 70 feet to Margaret, reaching her after she had been submerged several times with her mother, who, though a poor swimmer, had swum to her. Releasing her mother, Margaret grasped Frances, and they were momentarily submerged repeatedly. Frances freed herself with difficulty, took hold of Margaret’s hand, and towed her 40 feet toward the bank. She became so weak she could scarcely make another stroke, and she lost her hold on Margaret just as a pole was extended to her. She was drawn to wadable water in an exhausted condition. Margaret’s mother, who had been holding to Margaret, then caught hold of the pole, and she and Margaret were drawn to wadable water. Margaret was unconscious but was revived. 27456-2291
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