John A. Lloyd helped to save William G. Wynne from drowning, Fernandina Beach, Florida, May 25, 2007. William, 7, and his father were swimming in the Atlantic Ocean when a strong current prevented them from returning to shore. Lloyd, 63, retired teacher, was walking on the beach in the vicinity when he heard William’s father shout for help. Lloyd immediately waded and swam out to them, reaching them at a point about 150 feet from shore. The father shoved William toward Lloyd, who managed to grasp him by the fingertips in the rough water. Lloyd drew William into a firmer grasp, and William held to Lloyd’s neck as Lloyd struggled to return to shore. Rough water conditions and the strong current thwarted his efforts. Seeing two lifeguards responding on the shore, Lloyd kept William afloat until they arrived. One of the lifeguards took William to safety as the other rescued Lloyd, who could no longer move his legs. Dragged from the surf, Lloyd was taken to the hospital, where he was treated for having nearly drowned. He recovered. William’s father drowned.
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81092-9244