Robert K. Rankin, 14, schoolboy, saved John H. Smith, 19, student, from drowning, Shrewsbury, Ontario, August 9, 1953. In Rondeau Harbor during a heavy storm, a 16-foot sailboat in which Robert and his father were riding was capsized by waves in deep water three-quarters of a mile from shore. They were thrown into the water and clung to the hull. Smith and two young women in a motorboat proceeded to the sailboat and attached a line to it. Robert and his father maneuvered the sailboat to an upright position for towing, and Robert climbed onto the sailboat to try to balance the boat, which listed sharply in the waves as the rain fell in gusts. Intending to join Robert, Smith disrobed partly and dived into the water, rising 10 feet from the sailboat. The strong wind carried the boats farther from Smith, who could make no progress in attempting to swim and repeatedly sank and rose calling for help. Robert dived from the moving boat, swam 30 feet to Smith, and took hold of the latter, who was 80 pounds heavier than he. Robert was pulled downward in the water in his effort to support Smith, who slipped from his grasp and submerged. Calling to the others for aid, Robert regained his hold on Smith and drew him to the surface. The sailboat again capsized, and its rigging became entangled in the motorboat propeller. The father entered the water and aided the others in disengaging the rigging. Six minutes later the motorboat reached Robert, who had greatly exerted himself while supporting Smith. As he grasped the gunwale, Robert lost his hold on Smith, who sank. Submerging six feet, Robert reached Smith and towed him to the surface. The father swam to the motorboat, and he, Robert, and the others lifted Smith into the boat. Smith was removed to shore in the motorboat. Robert and his father remained with the overturned sailboat an additional 15 minutes until another motorboat arrived and took them to shore. Smith was revived. He suffered extreme nausea and shock but recovered. Robert, who was tired, winded, and nervous, also recovered. 3875-42953
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