Michael H. Schreiber helped to save Gregory A. Steirer from drowning, Beach Haven, New Jersey, May 28, 2006. While swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, Steirer, 26, called for help as he attempted to return to shore against a strong current in the very cold water. A man and woman who were on the beach in the vicinity entered the water and swam out to him, reaching him at a point about 170 feet from shore. Also unable to return against the current, they struggled to support Steirer, the man suffering respiratory distress. Schreiber, 50, attorney, swam out to them from the beach, taking two short surfboards. Steirer and the other man each lay atop one of the boards, which Schreiber started to tow in, making any progress with difficulty against the current. Recovering somewhat, the other man gave up his board to Schreiber, who tied it to his ankle, thereby allowing him the use of both hands to paddle. They continued toward shore, again with difficulty. The woman, meanwhile, swam to the side of a jetty that was in the vicinity, and a responding police officer aided her to safety. Another emergency responder took a longer surfboard out to Steirer, Schreiber, and the other man, after which a rescuer on a personal watercraft arrived and returned Steirer, then the other man, to shore. Schreiber and the first responder returned to shore atop the longer surfboard. Steirer required hospital treatment for hypothermia, and he recovered.
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