| Comment: |
Hi,
I am Paul, son of "Bob" Hersey, one of the life guards on the cover of this issue.
I am happy to report that he is still very much alive.
The real story is much more colorful than the version depicted in this comic which was taken from a newspaper article. This version would have you believe that it was a routine rescue ending with the pilot prancing out of the water saying "thanks for the lift boys", "all in a days work Lieutenant".
As my Dad describes, it was a day with VERY rough seas. They never before taken the catamaran out, because they were just life guarding swimmers close to shore.
As they rowed out, the waves knocked them both of them off the catamaran a few times before they reached the pilot.
When they reached the pilot, they were unable to get him onto the cat because he was in shock. He had no idea where he was and kept putting his feet up onto the catamaran saying that he needed to keep his shoes nice because he was going dancing tonight.
They then secured proper floatation, and towed him to shore, hoping he wouldn't drown along the way.
They then had to drag him onto the sand where the EMT eventually arrived.
My then 19 year old dad got several calls from modeling agencies after the comic book was released. He resumed school and did not model. He then went on to become an army officer, merchant marine sailor, ferry boat captain, underwater explorer and contractor, diving equipment tester, diving instructor trainer etc. Much of the work he did was dangerous and he was known for opting for the riskier positions rather than putting his employees in harms way. He has many scars to show for it.
That's my Dad, truly heroic.
All the best, Paul Hersey |
