James King Gibson, 66, minister, saved Charlotte M. Barksdale, 20, from drowning, Virginia Beach, Virginia, August 17, 1911. Miss Barksdale, who was a poor swimmer, became distressed while bathing in the Atlantic Ocean, and she went beneath the surface when she attempted to touch bottom about 110 feet from shore. Another girl grasped Miss Barksdale’s hand to aid her, but neither girl could swim with only one hand. Miss Barksdale went beneath the surface about eight times, and she swallowed considerable water. The other girl also went under several times and called for help. Gibson was in the water but not over his head, fearing to tax his heart by swimming. He heard the call and swam 40 feet to the girls. He clasped Miss Barksdale around her waist with one arm and swam 40 feet to a place where he could wade, taking her with him. The other girl was weak but took care of herself. Gibson was short of breath but waded to shore supporting Miss Barksdale. 7573-904
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