Patrick L. Stottlemyer, 15, schoolboy, saved Robin D. Badgett, 11, from drowning, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, August 2. 1968. While dog-paddling 25 feet from shore in the Atlantic Ocean, Robin was caught by an undercurrent and carried seaward. Patrick was attracted and noted the situation. Although tired from earlier exertions, he waded and swam to Robin through swells two to three feet high. He reached Robin 140 feet from shore in water 11 feet deep and urged him to be calm. Robin grasped Patrick about the neck. Both were submerged. Robin released Patrick. They surfaced with Patrick behind Robin. Pushing on Robin’s back, Patrick thrust him shoreward. By pushing Robin, swimming to him, and pushing him again, Patrick moved him 65 feet toward the beach. They then were over a submerged sand bar, and Patrick was able to stand in water four and a half feet deep. He was badly winded. A man arrived and relieved Patrick of Robin, who was taken to shore. After remaining on the sand bar until he had regained his breath, Patrick continued to the beach.
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