Stuart D. Knopp saved Jennifer Lewis from drowning, Blakely Island, Washington, July 25, 1964. While riding in a motorboat with her parents, Jennifer, 7, fell unnoticed into the Pacific Ocean 150 feet from Blakely Island and was submerged briefly in deep water. Her screams for help as the boat moved away were heard by Knopp, 42, motor freight line president, on the island. He ran 250 feet and descended a bluff 75 feet high to a narrow beach. Undressing to his underwear, he waded 25 feet into the water and swam toward Jennifer, who was flailing wildly. Knopp was feeling the numbing effects of the cool water by the time he reached Jennifer and took hold of her wrist. She squirmed in his grasp as he towed her 50 feet toward the beach with effort. Treading water to regain his breath, Knopp became so numbed and fatigued that he sank briefly. With great effort and gasping for breath, Knopp towed Jennifer 75 feet farther to a man who had waded into chin-deep water. Nearly exhausted, Knopp thrust Jennifer to the man, who carried her to shore. After moving 15 feet farther, Knopp dropped to his knees in shallow water and crawled to the beach, where he collapsed. Jennifer and Knopp recovered.
47407 – 4872
47407-4872