Robert M. Cowan helped to save Ella F. Sheehan from drowning, North Long Branch, New Jersey, September 5, 1915. Miss Sheehan, 19, and another young woman, who were bathing in the Atlantic Ocean, became distressed 70 feet from shore, where the surf was very rough. Cowan, 18, children’s home assistant caretaker, swam out to them and seized Miss Sheehan. He was separated from her almost immediately by a breaker and was carried 25 feet away from her. He had been kicked in the stomach by Miss Sheehan and was winded, and he returned to a point near shore. He tried to reach them again but was unable to swim against the waves and current. Peart started toward them, and after great effort he succeeded in reaching Miss Sheehan, who was then unconscious and was drifting rapidly in the current. Miss Sheehan’s companion sank and was drowned. Peart swam 30 feet toward shore with Miss Sheehan. They were then met by Cowan, and Cowan and Peart swam 10 feet to wadable water with Miss Sheehan between them. Cowan was very tired, and Peart was exhausted, but both recovered. Miss Sheehan was revived. (See case of HERBERT W. PEART.) 15642-1389
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