John Naglee Burk saved Stuart C. Coffing from drowning, Carmel, California, July 9, 1923. While wading in Carmel Bay, Stuart, 13, stepped into deep water 140 feet from shore and was carried farther from shore by the undertow, which was strong. There were breakers four to five feet high, and the surf was rough. Stuart, although a good swimmer, could not make shore against the undertow. Burk, 32, press agent, who was clothed, entered the surf and with four other persons formed a chain and moved toward Stuart. A wave carried Stuart toward Burk, who was farthest out, and Stuart caught hold of Burk’s arm just as the chain was broken by the wave. Stuart and Burk were carried farther from shore into deep water. They kept hold of each other and were carried toward shore and back repeatedly. Finally Burk was able with difficulty to maintain footing, and he helped Stuart to shallow water. Stuart then waded to shore. Burk was exhausted and collapsed on shore. 23633-2129
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