G. Elliott Conover saved Ruth K. Decker, 21, and attempted to save Sarena V. Roome, 21, from drowning, Manasquan, New Jersey, June 21, 1914. The women became distressed while bathing in the Atlantic Ocean, and a strong current carried them away from shore. There were heavy breakers, and the surf was rough. Conover, 18, clerk, and a young woman were on the beach, but there was no other person near. Conover threw off his coat, ran 10 feet through the water, and then swam about 40 feet to Miss Decker. He grasped her and swam on his back for about 40 feet before he touched bottom, then he helped her to the beach. She could not stand alone. Although the young woman with whom Conover had been begged him not to go, he entered the water and swam about 50 feet to Miss Roome. He tried to aid her as he had Miss Decker, but in less than two minutes he left her, feeling that his strength was failing. He swam about 15 feet toward shore and then returned to Miss Roome, who was floating. She had become unconscious. Conover grasped her and remained with her about a minute, and then, realizing that he soon would drown with her and seeing others getting a boat, he again left her. He reached the beach in an almost exhausted condition. Men in a boat saved Miss Roome, who was revived. 13206-1076
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