Marion J. Hafer helped to save James S. Cotton from drowning, Seaside Park, New Jersey, July 30, 1973. When James, 7, was caught by a riptide in the Atlantic Ocean, his mother swam to him; and both were carried seaward by the strong current. After her husband had gone to their aid but could make no progress toward the beach with them, Mrs. Hafer, 48, swam out to give assistance, reaching them in deep water 200 feet from shore. A man also arrived; and he supported the mother while Mrs. Hafer and her husband kept James afloat. All became fatigued due to the current. They were moved seaward until a series of large waves swept them back to safety in wadable water.
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53616-6079