Leonard E. Swanson, 22, student, helped to save Ralph E. Shaffer, 44, student, from drowning, Oxnard, California, August 29, 1954. While swimming in the Pacific Ocean, Shaffer was caught in a tidal current and got into difficulty in water 12 feet deep 450 feet from shore. He was unable to breast the current, and each time a three-foot swell reached him he flailed his arms wildly and swallowed water. He called for help. Swanson, who was nearby, swam to Shaffer, who took hold of Swanson’s shoulder. With one arm about Shaffer’s waist, Swanson swam against the tidal current and towed Shaffer 75 feet toward shore. Shaffer cooperated somewhat by moving his arms and legs but then became fatigued and lost consciousness. Swanson found that he then was free of the current and, tiring rapidly, towed Shaffer with difficulty 150 feet farther to within 225 feet of shore. By then nearly exhausted, be called for help. A young man who waded and swam to Swanson relieved him of Shaffer, whom be towed 75 feet toward shore as Swanson followed. Two other men waded into the water and helped to take Shaffer ashore. Swanson, who could barely stand alone, also was aided from the water. Shaffer was revived in 15 minutes and Swanson, who was near collapse, rested on the beach. Both recovered. 43937-4135
43937 – 4135
43937-4135