Willard Q. Newell, 52, guest ranch operator, saved Christine D. Brainard, 7, Raymond A. Brainard, Jr., 42, sales engineer, and Linda L. Maple, 8, from drowning, Three Rivers, California, July 31, 1954. While bathing with his daughter Christine and Linda in the Kaweah River, Brainard lost his footing; and the girls became frightened and seized him around the neck. They drifted to water seven feet deep 15 feet from the bank, Brainard twice being submerged. Newell, who ran to the opposite bank, waded and swam 45 feet to Brainard and the girls. He got hold of Christine and Linda and jerked them loose from Brainard. Newell started to tow the girls toward the bank but progressed only four feet before Linda struggled and caused him to submerge briefly and swallow water. Separately Newell towed Christine and then Linda 35 feet to wadable water, and Linda’s mother aided the girls to the bank. Brainard had drifted an additional 20 feet and barely could stay afloat. Newell swam to Brainard, got hold of him, and towed him to wadable water. He and Linda’s mother aided Brainard to the bank. Brainard was almost exhausted, Christine and Linda were tired and winded, and Newell was badly fatigued. All recovered. 43308-4005
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