Gold medalist’s roommate swims 300 yards, saves a life

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — It was a moment that put her years of training to the test, as a swimmer needed help 300 yards away from the shoreline.

Right across from 46th Street, where the resort beach becomes a neighborhood, the 911 calls came in on Monday. Lifesaving Sgt. Sam Tadder rushed in on her four-wheeler, coming in from a lifeguard station further north along the beach.

“I got off my ATV and I swam out there, told the other two locals to go and head on in and I handled the situation as best as I could,” Tadder said.

It did not matter how or why the person was out there. Tadder just had to get to them.

“I talked to the swimmer for about 10, 15 minutes,” she said, recalling what happened.

Patrol boats from Virginia Beach fire and police cruised in right after Tadder helped the swimmer. This was another life saved. The rescue was unique since it happened outside the area where lifeguards are typically stationed. It was also much further out in the ocean than usual — but still not too far for Tadder.

“Swimming 300 yards, we’re expected to be able to swim much more than that out here,” Tadder said. “After years of doing it, it becomes natural.”

It was a proud moment for lifesaving service chief Tom Gill.

“If you asked me who I want to send 300 yards offshore to swim out, Sam Tadder would be the number one person to go out there,” Gill said. “She truly represents the type of people we have on this lifeguard service. I’m proud of every one of them. But she certainly filled the bill yesterday and did an amazing job.”

Tadder, a swimmer at Stanford, is in good company. It just so happens her roommate is Torri Huske, just won gold in Paris at the 100 meter butterfly event. Tadder will soon represent Team USA in Australia for the World Lifesaving Championships.

“Being able to go represent the U.S. is something I’m so passionate about, it’s really awesome,” Tadder said.

On top of training for Australia, she is helping train the next generation of lifeguards at the Junior Life Saving program in Virginia Beach.

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