Guard Saves Girl

Newspaper Article about John Hill

“Rescue Technique Learned in Time”

“Guard Saves Girl”

June 24, 1960

“Laguna Beach lifeguard John Hill puts newly-learned rescue technique to work on

18-year-old Linda Wilson, who almost drowned in the rough surf at the beach at the foot of

St. Ann’s Drive. Miss Wilson was caught in an undertow.

“Just two hours after receiving instruction in mouth to mouth respiration, Lifeguard John Hill used that method of resuscitation to save the life of Linda Wilson, 18 of Covina, after he had pulled her from the surf at St. Ann’s beach late Monday afternoon. “I noticed the two girls when they went in the water,” said Lifeguard Hill, “and since the undertow was particularly strong, I kept an eye on them. They started to drift toward the undertow,” Hill continued, “and one of the girls called me to help her friend.

“Immediately I pulled the girl in and started to give her mouth to mouth respiration. After about twelve breaths her breathing was somewhat normal and forty-five minutes later she was recovered enough to come over and thank me.”

John Hill not only had his first spectacular rescue on Monday, but it was his first day of guard duty. Fortunately, he must have paid strict attention to the forty-five minutes of instructions given by Chief Lifeguard, Art Fisette, each morning.

The handsome, dark haired lifeguard, who is the son of Mr. And Mrs.George Hill of Cress Street has just graduated from Orange Coast College in liberal arts and business administration.”