Gerald L. De Long, 16, schoolboy, saved Jean W. Keilman, 27, Maeola T. Close, 36, and Marvin R. Close, 35, salesman, from drowning, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, July 4, 1955. When they lost their footing while frolicking in the surf at Fort Lauderdale Beach, Mrs. Keilman, who was a poor swimmer, and her husband, a fair swimmer, were drawn by a strong undercurrent into water five feet deep between waves three feet high, where they struggled together, 100 from shore. The husband called to De Long, who swam thirty feet to the Keilmans and succeeded in calming them. The husband swam to shore unaided as De Long towed Mrs. Keilman 60 feet to wadable water, from where be aided her 40 feet to the beach. Meanwhile Close and his wife, both poor swimmers, were struggling in unwadable water and also called for help. Although slightly tired and somewhat winded, De Long ran 35 feet into the surf and swam 65 feet through and over waves to near the Closes, who took hold of his shoulders but were persuaded by him to be calm and release their holds. With the Closes holding to each other, De Long towed both by his hold on Mrs. Close as he swam 60 feet to wadable water, where all secured footing. De Long partially supported Close and his wife, and all waded to safety. Mrs. Keilman, Close, and Mrs. Close were fatigued and nauseated. De Long was winded and tired. All recovered. 43917-4105
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