Robert W. Samuel, 17, schoolboy, saved Ronald V. Miller, 33, seaman, from drowning, Montara, California, March 15, 1959. While skin diving in a cove in the Pacific Ocean, Miller was carried away from shore by a strong undertow, the heavy surf sweeping away his face plate and snorkel. Despite rubber swim fins, he could make no headway and, beginning to tire as he was carried 265 feet from shore, called for help. No other persons had entered the water, but approximately 100 were on the beach. Signs posted on the beach warned against swimming. Despite the pleas of his parents not to enter the surf, Robert removed all of his clothing except his shorts, waded into the surf and, towing a 10-foot plank, started to the aid of Miller. Robert swam 300 feet to where Miller, nearly exhausted, was in water 12 feet deep between waves as much as eight feet high. Robertl, who had swallowed some water and was tiring rapidly, told Miller to take hold of the opposite end of the plank, which he did. While they clung to the plank and rested briefly before attempting to swim to the beach, a larger wave swept over them. Each maintained his hold on the plank as the wave carried them shoreward. Water frequently washed over their heads, and they were submerged twice by waves as with much effort they swam 300 feet toward shore. Reaching wadable water, they secured footing and were aided to the beach. 44680-4322
44680 – 4322
44680-4322