Jared C. Williams saved Hayden A. Strickland and Jennifer L. Jackson from drowning, Panama City Beach, Florida, March 27, 2002. Hayden and Jennifer, both 14, were wading in the Gulf of Mexico when an undertow impeded their return to the beach. A member of their group, Jared, 16, student, waded and swam to Hayden, then, fighting the undertow, took her to shore. Jared returned for Jennifer, who, nearly exhausted, was farther out. He grasped her, started to swim parallel to the beach with her, then turned and went directly toward shore. A woman in their group waded partway out from shore with a body board and met them. With Jennifer atop the board, the woman pulled her to the beach, Jared also exiting the water. Hayden and Jennifer were exhausted, and they recovered.
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