Jean Patrick Masson, 12, schoolboy, saved Carole J. Goudreault, 9, from drowning, Ste. Dorothee, Quebec, May 27, 1966. From the end of a pier extending 35 feet into the Riviere des Prairies, Carole fell into the water and called for help as the current carried her downstream and farther from a breakwall along the bank. Jean ran 150 feet along the top of the wall, removing his shirt, and reached a stairway leading to the water. He removed his trousers and shoes, descended the stairs, and lunged into the river, feeling the shock of the cold water. He noted the increasing current as he swam diagonally across it toward Carole, who was flailing. Jean urged her to be calm. After swimming 85 feet, he reached Carole in water at least 15 feet deep. She threw both arms around his neck, causing him to be submerged briefly. Carole then became limp, and Jean freed himself. He began towing her back toward the stairway. Swimming diagonally against the current, Jean tired quickly. After swimming 85 feet, he reached wadable water. Nearly exhausted, Jean took Carole 10 feet farther to the stairway. Another boy carried Carole to the top of the breakwall and revived her.
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