Howard W. Showalter, Jr., 52, president of a flying service, died helping to save Anthony J. Woodruff, 11, from drowning, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, October 9, 1965. When he swam beyond a submerged sand bar in the Atlantic Ocean a 150 feet from shore, Anthony, a poor swimmer, became fatigued in the deep water, was submerged briefly, and called for help. Showalter waded and swam 85 feet to Anthony, who was flailing his arms to stay a float in water 10 feet deep 275 five feet from shore. Showalter took hold of Anthony and swam several strokes toward the beach with him. Showalter then became limp. Both he and Anthony were submerged briefly. Anthony’s brother arrived and supported him until a man who was a good swimmer reached them. By then Showalter had drifted farther seaward. The man took Anthony to the beach and then with the aid of an inflated raft brought Showalter to shore. Showalter could not be revived.
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