Marie Thelma Hayes, 47, teacher, saved Sister Anne Cecile, 35, and Sister Mary Natalie, 30, from drowning, Daytona Beach, Florida, May 6, 1946. While Sister Anne Cecile and Miss Hayes were standing in rough surf in the Atlantic Ocean, a wave broke over them. They were swept into water seven feet deep and rose 10 feet apart. In response to Sister Anne Cecile’s call for help, Miss Hayes swam to her and extended her hand; but Sister Anne Cecile grasped her around the neck. In a struggle they were twice submerged. Finally Sister Anne Cecile released Miss Hayes, who clasped her with one arm and with great effort swam 15 feet where she could touch bottom, but the undertow was very strong, and she was carried back in the deep water. After three times swimming about 15 feet and twice being carried back into deep water, she got footing and supported Sister Anne Cecile, who became limp. Meanwhile Sister Mary Natalie, who was farther from shore, got into distress but with exertion swam to within 10 feet of Miss Hayes. Although Miss Hayes, who was tired, was aware she might be swept again into the deep water, she stepped toward Sister Mary Natalie, who jumped with waves toward her, and grasped her hand. Sister Mary Natalie rested briefly and then swam and waded to shallow water and was aided to shore. Miss Hayes, supporting Sister Anne Cecile, waded to shallow water; and another woman then helped her take Sister Anne Cecile to shore. Both Sisters were ill, and Miss Hayes suffered from shock. All recovered. 40709-3489
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