Polly S. Gutman, 39, housewife, saved Donna Lynne Sides, 4, and attempted to save Linda Ann Horan, 8, from drowning, Neptune Beach, Florida, August 8, 1949. Donna Lynne and Linda Ann waded into the Atlantic Ocean from a beach and were swept into water six feet deep 135 feet from shore. Mrs. Gutman, who was not a strong swimmer, saw the hair of one of the girls at the surface and waded to within 45 feet of her. She swam the remaining distance through waves two to three feet high to Donna Lynne and raised her to the surface. She saw that Donna Lynne had hold of the bathing suit of Linda Ann six inches beneath the surface. Both girls were inert. Mrs. Gutman clasped Donna Lynne to her chest and attempted to raise Linda Ann with her other hand but could not. Supporting both girls, Mrs. Gutman tried to move toward shore but could make no progress because of a strong undercurrent and began to tire. Waves broke over them at intervals. Mrs. Gutman screamed for help and attracted a man on the beach. The man reached Mrs. Gutman after she had supported the girls for eight minutes. Mrs. Gutman thrust Linda Ann to him, and he took the girl to shore. Mrs. Gutman towed Donna Lynne 25 feet to wadable water, where two women took Donna Lynne from her and carried the girl to shore. Mrs. Gutman fell exhausted in shallow water but after resting was able to reach shore unaided. Linda Ann could not be revived. Donna Lynne revived. Both she and Mrs. Gutman recovered. 3660-41787
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