State Park Ranger

Department of Parks and Recreation

6/15/1976

Special Act Award (Gold)

On June 15, 1976, during the early morning hours, Rangers Lee R. Clark, Daniel E. Scott and Keith R. Williams were preparing to dive for abalone along the rocky cliffs of the Mendocino shoreline when they heard calls for help coming from about a quarter of a mile out at sea. Three survivors of a capsized boat were clinging desperately to the overturned craft and a nearby rock as the cold waves tossed them around, draining their fast ebbing strength. Quickly getting into their wet suits, the three men dispatched Ranger Williams’s brother to get help and then they started the long arduous swim. The rangers, though not trained as lifeguards and very much aware of the hazards of the rough, cold water and rocks, swam out to rescue the men. One had a severe heart condition. With concentrated effort, the three rangers systematically brought the victims to shore, using their wet suits to supply a degree of warmth to the chilled victims. On shore, the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office was waiting with ambulances to transport the victims to the hospital.