Richard Dean Dahmen saved Jay Whitehead from drowning, Imperial Beach, California, January 15, 1981. While wading in the Pacific Ocean in an area of strong currents, Jay, 13, was caught in an undertow and carried away from shore. He called for help. Dahmen, 25, college student, undressed to his shorts and entered the cold water. Wading and then swimming, Dahmen reached Jay about 200 feet from shore in deep water. Jay struggled with Dahmen, who managed to hold the boy at arm’s length while towing him parallel to the beach. Dahmen then swam shoreward and, with difficulty because of waves breaking over him, towed Jay to safety. 57805-6551
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