Guyles Edward Sutton saved Lela M. Francisco from drowning, Boonesboro, Kentucky, July 21, 1935. While swimming in the Kentucky River, Miss Francisco, 19, got into difficulty at a point 110 feet from the bank near the lower end of a high lock wall of a dam. Sutton, 20, student, who was swimming near her, swam several strokes to her and tried to tow her toward the bank, but they slowly drifted farther from it toward a swift current that flowed from the dam. A man, who waded and swam from the bank, briefly tried to help Sutton tow Miss Francisco and then left them. Waves eight inches high washed over Sutton and Miss Francisco. Sutton became tired and changed his hold of her from one arm to the other one. A life ring to which a long rope was attached was thrown from the wall, but it did not fall within Sutton’s reach. Another throw was made, and the life ring fell within 10 feet of Sutton, but he was unable to swim to it. After Sutton while supporting Miss Francisco had drifted 45 feet, a man, who was an excellent swimmer, jumped from the wall, swam to the life ring, and then to Sutton. He helped him place Miss Francisco’s arms over the life ring. She was unconscious. The three were drawn 40 feet toward the wall. A rowboat then arrived. Sutton aided in placing Miss Francisco in the boat and then was helped into it. He was exhausted. All were taken to the bank. Miss Francisco was revived.
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