James B. Hudson, 40, nurse, saved Robert G. Riddle, 11, from drowning, Newport Beach, California, June 29, 1938. While wading in the Pacific Ocean, Robert lost his footing and drifted to water 15 feet deep 550 feet from shore. Hudson, who never had swum more than 100, waded and then swam and drifted 500 feet in an outward current of two and a half m.p.h. to Robert, who took hold of Hudson; and they were submerged briefly. Hudson cautioned Robert not to struggle with him, and Robert released his hold. Supporting Robert, Hudson swam 50 feet out of the current and then with great effort swam 450 feet to a point 100 feet from shore. Greatly fatigued, he released Robert, swam 10 feet farther, and then waded to shallow water, where he collapsed from exhaustion. Meanwhile Robert was carried by a wave and swam to wadable water and was aided to shore. Hudson suffered dilatation of the heart and was disabled for eight months.
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