James Michael Kaul, 15, schoolboy, saved James H. Ruddell, 17, schoolboy, from drowning, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, August 24, 1958. While swimming in rough water in the Atlantic Ocean, Ruddell became exhausted and called for help after being submerged briefly by high swells in water 12 feet deep more than 100 feet from shore. Kaul, who was the only other person in the water, had become tired from swimming in the heavy surf and was returning to shore. He swam 30 feet to Ruddell, who was flailing his arms wildly. As Kaul trod water in preparation for securing a hold on him, Ruddell was submerged briefly again and became inert. Kaul secured a hold on Ruddell and began towing him toward shore. Several men attempted to enter the water but were forced back by the heavy surf. Swimming with difficulty against the noticeable pull of an undercurrent, Kaul towed Ruddell 100 feet through breakers from four to eight feet high. As he secured footing and started to carry Ruddell to shore, Kaul was knocked to his knees by a breaker. Ruddell was thrown to the water’s edge. Others carried Ruddell to the beach and aided Kaul from the water. Ruddell was revived.
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