State Park Attendant

Department of Parks and Recreation

8/12/1966

Special Act Award (Gold)

On August 12, 1966, in the afternoon, State Park Attendant William T. Parker was summoned to Wright’s Beach on the Sonoma Coast after two young girls had been caught in the backwash of a large wave and swept out more than 100 feet from shore. Men on the shore formed a human chain and pulled one of the girls to shore. When Mr. Parker arrived he found their mother floundering offshore: she had unsuccessfully gone to the aid of her children. Appraising the situation, Mr. Parker took a life ring and swam to the young girl, who was face down in the water. After reaching her, he put the life ring over her head and towed her back to shore through the heavy surf. Although he swallowed water and was near exhaustion, Mr. Parker returned to the water and pulled the mother to shore, aided by a man with an inflated tire tube and rope. After checking the condition of the girl and seeing her mother receive artificial respiration, Mr. Parker called the Sheriff’s Office for assistance. The girl was saved, but unfortunately her mother could not be revived.