Kathleen D. Blackadar, 29, housewife, saved Arthur E. Shiers, 24, dairy pasteurizer, from drowning, East Petpeswick, Nova Scotia, July 1, 1937. While swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, Shiers was unable to make progress toward shore because of strong undertow and drifted farther from shore. Choppy breakers two to three feet high were 50 feet from the shore, Mrs. Blackadar, who was not feeling well and did not intend to enter the water that day, removed her coat and shoes, waded a short distance, and swam 250 feet to Shiers, taking a life-preserver with her. Shiers was dazed. He grasped the life-preserver tightly with both hands, and Mrs. Blackadar for a few minutes tried to tow him toward shore. She made no progress, but drifted 25 feet farther from the shore. Becoming somewhat tired and noting that Shiers held tightly to the life-preserver, she released her hold and with great effort swam slowly 300 feet to wadable water. A woman waded to her and supported her to the shore. Holding to the life-preserver, Shiers drifted 50 feet farther, then slowly swam to a point within 25 feet of the shore and was aided by a man who waded to him. Shiers collapsed. He was attended by a physician and recovered. Mrs. Blackadar was also attended by a physician but suffered no serious ill effects.
36637 – 3056
36637-3056