Rogene A. Vartanian

Rogene A. Vartanian saved Steven R. Wilson from drowning, Bodega, California, May 31, 1964. Steven, 9, waded fully clothed into rough surf in the Pacific Ocean in an area posted as too dangerous for swimming because of treacherous currents. He was submerged briefly by a breaker and called for help as he was carried away from shore. Miss Vartanian, 20, student, ran a 150 feet to the water’s edge, kicked off her shoes, and waded 10 feet into the surf. Impeded by her clothing, which included a heavy sweatshirt, she swam 70 feet toward Steven in waves five to six feet high. She continued 20 feet farther and reached Steven in water 40 feet deep as he worked his arms to stay afloat. Miss Vartanian obtained a hold across Steven’s chest and towed him shoreward. By the time she had towed him 30 feet she was tired and badly winded. Aided by the breakers but hindered by her water soaked clothing, she swam 40 feet farther with him. By then most of her strength was spent, and she swallowed some water when a breaker submerged them and another rolled them along the bottom. Others who meanwhile had formed a chain extending to 12 feet from shore were able to grasp them when Miss Varanian surfaced with Steven, nearly exhausted. Steven was carried to the beach. Miss Vartanian was aided toward shore but collapsed to her hands and knees. She crawled the rest of the way to the beach.