Ralph A. Rabing saved Arthur B. Lutz from drowning, San Francisco, California, July 26, 1938. While swimming in the Pacific Ocean, Lutz, 23, restaurant helper, got into deep water and drifted in a current of three m.p.h. to a point 275 feet from shore, stroking feebly. Rabing, 18, service-station attendant, waded and then swam 450 feet to Lutz, took hold of his wrist, and towed him at an angle toward shore. After Rabing had towed Lutz 350 feet, they got into rough water; and at least five times breakers washed over their heads, at each time Rabing with his free hand taking hold of Lutz’s other wrist and then releasing it when the breaker had passed. After towing Lutz altogether 475 feet, Rabing reached wadable water. Lutz was exhausted but recovered. Rabing was fatigued.
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