Robert E. Wharem, 26, custodian, rescued Charles E. Evans, 17, schoolboy, from drowning, Rye Beach, New Hampshire, August 22, 1956. While standing on a rock ridge near the shoreline of Star Island in the Atlantic Ocean, Charles, who could not swim, was swept off his feet by a large wave and carried away from shore into deep water. He lost consciousness but floated at the surface as he drifted farther from shore. Wharem was attracted and ran 1,200 feet over the very uneven rock surface of the island to a ledge opposite Charles and four feet above the water. Badly winded from running, he removed his shirt and shoes, dived into the surf, and swam 15 feet toward Charles. Unable to progress farther because of the current and waves two to three feet high, he swam back to the bank. After resting briefly he again dived into the surf and swam 40 feet to Charles, who then was in water 35 feet deep. Wharem placed one arm about the head of Charles and with his free hand grasped the end of a rope tossed from shore by others who meanwhile had arrived. He trod water and looped the rope around the chest of Charles, who outweighed him by 60 pounds. Wharem maintained his hold on Charles and the rope as the others pulled them from the water. Charles suffered from shock and sustained several badly bruised ribs, and he and Wharem both suffered lacerations from being tossed by the waves onto sharp barnacles near the waterline. They recovered. 43976-4140
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