George Freeth was born in Honolulu in 1883 and began surfing at age 19. He helped reintroduce stand-up riding (as compared to prone or kneeling), and after moving to California in 1907 he almost single-handedly popularized the sport in that state. Freeth also was instrumental in creating the beachfront lifeguarding profession. Freeth died in 1919, at age 35, during the global flu pandemic. He never married, had no children, gave few interviews, and remains a somewhat unknowable figure in surfing. This timeline is culled from newspaper excerpts and articles published during Freeth's life.


BIRTH: On 8th, Inst., to the wife of G.D. Freeth, esq., a son.


Law Division. George D. Freeth, by his attorney, W. A. Whiting, voluntarily petitions to be adjudged a bankrupt. His schedule of debts shows $2,034. 35 unsecured and $1,500 secured, a total indebtedness of $4,134.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIRST CIRCUIT, HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.

The Republic of Hawaii to the Marshal of the Hawaiian Islands, or His Deputy, Greeting:

You are commanded to summon George D. Freeth, defendant, in case he shall file written answer within twenty days after service hereof, to be and appear before the said Circuit Court at the November term thereof, to be holden at Honolulu, Island of Oahu, on Monday the 6th day of November next, at 10 o'clock a.m., to show cause why the claim of Elizabeth K. Freeth, plaintiff, should not be awarded to her pursuant to the tenor of her annexed petition, and have you then there this writ with full return of your proceedings thereon


A citation addressed to George D. Freeth, in divorce, has been returned from San Francisco unopened


George Freeth, son of Mrs. E.K. Freeth, of Emma Street, won the fancy and high diving and the 100-yards swimming race in the tournament at West Chester, Pa., on Independence Day. Young Freeth is an employee of one of the local telephone companies of that place.

"WILL LEAP FROM A HEIGHT OF 80 FEET," April 15, 1905, 


One of the principal attractions of the coming winter carnival will take place at the Naval docks on Saturday evening, April the 22nd, will be the 80-foot leap by George Freeth, the wonderful diver. If you can imagine a scaffolding erected as high as the Young Hotel roof garden you can picture the height from which Young Freeth will leap through the air to the water below. This will be the first time that a dive of this height has ever been attempted in Honolulu.


George Freeth says surfing is the game. George is an enthusiast over water sports and is good at them in all their phases.


George Freeth gave an expert demonstration at the Moana [Hotel] yesterday afternoon. Nearly 100 people watched him perform.


In the high and fancy diving contest George Freeth won first place, his flying dive from the trapeze, and corkscrew cut-off 45 feet up, from one of the beams, drawing exclamations of astonishment and admiration from everyone.


One of the best advertisements which Hawaii could possibly have, and which could be obtained at a very small cost, has been suggested to the Promotion Committee and is now being considered by that body. This is to send two experts with a surfing canoe and surf boards tp Southern California to give exhibitions of their skill. The idea originated with George Freeth, the well known local athlete, and it is proposed, if the plan Roes through, that he and “Dudy" Miller, who is also an athlete of a good deal of prominence and skilled in the ways of the surf, shall make the trip. That the Southern Californian would like the sport is practically sure and it ought to be a great success. The two athletes offer to go up and alter they are once in California to look after their own expenses, but think that the Promotion Commit to should help them out In the way of passage and the transportation of their canoe and surf hoards.


George Freeth, the famous swimmer and surf rider, will be at the Seaside Hotel hereafter between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to give lessons in swimming, diving and surfing on boards. Ring Red 101 for engagements.


Just to show the effete Easterners what the real thing is and to stir the frazzled nerves of the beach bummers of Atlantic City, George Freeth is thinking of taking his surf board under his arms, packing his telescope and running over there for the summer. [Click 

 for the Coast, where he will give exhibitions of surf riding and swimming. Freeth first intends visiting Venice in Southern California and will there finish the summer. From Venice, George plans to go to Palm Beach, Florida, where he will put In the winter riding his board. Freeth is a crack on the surf hoard and he is sure to attract much attention and will also be a great "ad" for Hawaii. George is a swimmer of much ability and should easily make good on the Coast. The local sports and public all wish him success.


George Freeth, who is probably the most expert surf board rider In the world, was one of the passengers on the 

 this morning. He is bound for the Coast where he will spend some time this summer on the Southern California beaches introducing the royal Hawaiian sport. He has taken a supply of surf boards with him, and it is not unlikely that the sport can be made very popular on beaches where the proper surf conditions exist.

Freeth has probably done more to revive the wonderful art of the ancient Hawaiian here at home than any other one person. Some years ago it had become almost unknown, except by tradition, when Freeth, who is one of the most expert and graceful swimmers and divers in the Territory, took up the sport and by diligent and intelligent practice developed until he is now probably as accomplished as was any of the ancient native riders.

Freeth is not taking any canoes with him this trip, but is contemplating going to the Atlantic coast next season with "Dudy" Miller in which event they will take canoes as well as boards with them.


George Freeth is giving surf riding exhibitions at Venice, a summer resort in Southern California, and is making a success of his work, according to a letter received on the least mail by the [Hawaiian] Promotion Committee from their agent in Los Angeles. The letter states that Freeth and Kenneth Winter tried surf-riding at Long Beach, but found the rollers there unsatisfactory, finally making a contract with Manager Hanna, of Venice. There, exhibitions are given by Freeth every afternoon, drawing immense crowds along the beach and on the piers to watch his performance.


To introduce surf-riding on the American coasts as an advertisement for Honolulu, George D. Freeth, a native of the Hawaiian Islands and an expert in the sport, will pass the winter months in Venice and next season visit Atlantic City and other resorts on the eastern seaboard.

Under the auspices of the Honolulu Chamber of Commerce, Freeth gives exhibitions to promote interest in the sport, which he declares is the most healthful of all forms of aquatic amusement, since it provides enough exercise to keep away any danger from chill.

Several swimmers In Venice have taken to the pastime, but are far from the skill attained by Freeth, who has no difficulty in dashing through the surf upright on his board, or even standing on his head while the waves send him swiftly to shore.

On Waikiki beach at Honolulu he began riding at such an early age that he scarcely remembers it. There both men and women enjoy surf-riding, but few of the latter have taken to it in Venice.

Freeth comes to Venice through the agency of Mr. Childs, Honolulu representative In the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. A small stipend from the Kinney company paid for the exhibition adds to the income of the swimmer.


Although the Los Angeles YMCA water basketball defeated the Venice players at Bimini baths Friday night, Captain George D. Freeth of the Venice team was the recipient of a gold watch. The gift came from his Venice friends to mark the passing of the twenty-fourth anniversary of his birth.


A water basketball team has been organized here by George Freeth, of Hawaii, who was recently a member of the Venice life-saving corps. The new team was to have played a match game with a Venice team yesterday but the Venice team failed to put in an appearance, so the local boys got together a couple of pickup teams and were shown some stunts by the instructor that will make good ones of them if they are able to follow his lead. Mr. Freeth is also giving interesting exhibitions of surf-riding.


Carl Balmer, of Moneta, owes his life to George Freeth as he undoubtedly would have been drowned in the plunge last Sunday afternoon but for the promptness of Mr. Freeth. Mr. Balmer. though unable to swim, had slid down the chute Into deep water, where he sunk to the bottom and remained there while the spectators excitedly discussed ways and means of getting him out. but made no effort to do anything until Freeth was summoned. The latter plunged Immediately Into the water without so much as waiting to remove his coat or shoes. He found Balmer lying face down at the bottom and brought him to the surface. It took ten minutes of hard work to restore the man to consciousness. Mr. Freeth's action is the more commendable from the fact that he was just recovering from an attack of mumps.

"BATHING PALACE OPENED: EVENT AT VENICE CELEBRATED BY VARIED AND INTERESTING PROGRAM OF AQUATIC SPORTS,"


The athletic carnival attending the opening of the big bathing palace at Venice yesterday attracted 20.000 people. The varied and Interesting program of sports was marred by only one unpleasant incident. A bather, who refused to give his name, was nearly drowned In the plunge but was rescued by George Freeth and Frank Holborow.

Freeth opened the aquatic performance with a daring surf-board riding exhibition. The tide was running high and the white-crested waves fairly raced shoreward.

"LIFE-SAVING RECORD AT VENICE EXCELLENT," 


Records have been compiled in the headquarters of the life-saving crew showing that 100 persons have been saved from the waves this year. Forty-eight of those rescues are credited to George Freeth, the Hawaiian surf-board rider.

"JAPANESE DELEGATES BRING GIFTS AND THANKS," 


As a result of his activity in saving a number of Japanese fishermen from a watery grave yesterday, Capt. George Freeth of the volunteer life-saving crew is the hero of the beach today. That the little brown men are appreciative of the great service rendered them yesterday was shown this afternoon when a delegation from the fishing camp at Port Los Angeles made its appearance at the life-saving station on Windward pier and presented the big lifeguard with a gold watch and $50 in cash. The spokesman also added some very nice-sounding words of gratitude for the kindness shown them during their mishaps yesterday. Abbot Kinney, who was present at the meeting, made a neat speech commending Captain Freeth's actions during the time of danger.

A contribution of $17.50 wan also presented by the Japanese to the crew, to be added to the sick fund. The benefit for the crew, which was got up by the ladles of the beach, netted more than $$100, and this, with about |50 subscribed by private citizens of Venice, will enable the crew to purchase a steel lifeboat, of which there is much need.

"BARRED FROM A.A.U. BY PROFESSIONALISM: TWO ATHLETES CHARGED WITH RECEIVING PAY FOR THEIR SERVICES IN AQUATIC AND RING SPORTS," 


Walter Folsom has been ruled out of the Men's Amateur Basketball league by Chairman George Braden of the registration committee. Folsom is well known in Southern California athletic circles, having played with St. Vincent’s crack five the year they tied Whittier for the Intercollegiate championship. Folsom was declared a professional by Chairman Braden for receiving money in swimming and boxing, he having taken money from the Ocean Park Amusement company for fancy diving exhibitions and services on the life-saving crew.

The same action was taken in the case of George Freeth of the Venice crew, which resulted In his losing the Carnegie medal which is given to amateurs only. Freeth, when seen yesterday by a 

 reporter, was inclined to think that the action of Braden was prompted by prejudice. He said he did not think a man should be placed in the professional class just because he made his bread and butter by swimming.


The [AAU] Registration committee turned down the application of George Freeth for [amateur] reinstatement, it being stated in a letter from Mr. Culver of Santa Monica that Freeth had taken compensation while acting in the position of life saver at Venice and also that he received compensation for saving the lives of two Japanese when their boat upset at Venice.

"RULING OF A.A.U. CLASSES ALL PROFESSIONALS: BEST PERFORMERS MAY BE BARRED," 


George W. Braden, chairman of the Registration Committee of the local commission of the Amateur Athletic Union, received a ruling the professional lifeguards cannot be classed as amateurs . . . and the ruling will be enforced against the men whom George Freeth brought charges of professionalism against, in case he is able to prove his assertations. Of the 38 men against whom Freeth brought charges of various kinds, fourteen were accused of having been employed as paid life-savers. Friends of the men were of the opinion that even if could be proved that they were paid lifeguards, yet it would not affect their amateur standing. However, the ruling received . . . will result in the barring of all local swimmers who have acted as lifeguards. [P]ractically all the best swimmers and water polo players in the South [California] have been charged with professionalism of some kind by Freeth. The Registration Committee of the AAU is to consider the charges brought by Freetht at its next regular meeting, May 4.

"TWO SWIMMERS SUSPENDED AFTER INVESTIGATION," 


At the meeting of the registration committee of the Southern California branch of the AAU last night to investigate the charges preferred by George Freeth, who was not present at the meeting owing to the fact that he left Los Angeles, were thrashed out, and as a result, Frank Holborow was professionalized [due to his] position as a lifesaver at the Redondo Swimming club. This means that Holborow cannot compete in amateur aquatics for two years. The committed [also] decided that [Harvey] Crum, as well as Holborow, be suspended indefinitely.

"HORNET'S NEST; FREETH HAS RETURNED TO BACK UP CHARGES,"


George Freeth, who was believed to have gone to Honolulu, is said to be in the city and is expected to show up at the meeting of the Registration Committee of the local commission of the Amateur Athletic Union that is to be held at the Y.M.C.A tonight, for the purpose of investigating the chargee of professionalism that were brought by Freeth against about forty local swimmers. If Freeth attends the meeting there probably will be "something doing," as all the swimmers against whom he brought the charges stoutly deny that they ever violated the amateur rules, and it will be up to Freeth to present substantial proof, which he said he had before he left the city. It is said that Freeth went to San Francisco, and then changed his mind about going to Honolulu, deciding to return to this city and endeavor to make good his charges.

"BIG CLEAN UP OF SWIMMERS: GEORGE FREETH SUBSTANTIATES MOST OF CHARGES," 


George Freeth backed up most of the charges of professionalism that he brought against local swimmers, at the special meeting of the registration committee of the Amateur Athletic Union at the Y.M.C.A. last night. About twenty of the forty men against whom Freeth brought the charges were present at the meeting, and although there were a good many personal remarks, everybody entered good-naturedly into the investigation and there was no quarreling.


Ocean Park: George Freeth, the expert diver and lifesaver, made a successful attempt at fixing a tackle to the intake pipe of the saltwater plunge, which was washed into twenty-live feet of water by the recent storms, staying underwater several minutes during the feat. When the pipe was halfway to the pier a large devil fish, measuring about two and a half feet across, slid gently out of the lower end, startling the intrepid waterman and bringing a foolish look to h!s countenance. "I didn't know he was there, or I would have taken a shotgun with me," he said.


Secretary Wood will make an effort while in California to induce George Freeth, famous Hawaiian swimmer and life-saver, who is now at Venice, California, to go to Atlantic City and assist in promotion work. Mr. Wood expects to get Freeth on the life-saving crew at Atlantic City where he will have exceptional opportunities to display his expert surfriding. Mr. Wood is shipping two surfboards to San Francisco to be sent by rail to Atlantic City, [along with] two Hawaiian outrigger canoes. The use of big surfboards and canoes in the Atlantic City surf, used by such a daring swimmer as Freeth. will be an advertisement for the Hawaiian Islands.

"HAWAIIAN SWIMMER MAY ACCEPT EASTERN OFFER: GEORGE FREETH TENDERED CONTRACT TO GIVE SURF BOARD EXHIBITIONS AT CONEY ISLAND," 


George Freeth well-renowned athlete and swimmer, has received an offer to go to Coney Island to give exhibitions of surf-board riding during the summer. Surf-board riding, one of the most thrilling sports of the Hawaiians, was only recently been introduced on the Mainland by Freeth and others and the local man is considered one of the most expert riders in the country. It is proposed to make use of this novel means to advertise the Hawaiian Islands to settlors. Freeth is a native Hawaiian. He was formerly head of the Venice life-saving corps.

"RECORD-BREAKING CROWD OF EXCURSIONISTS SPEND NATIONAL DAY IN REDONDO BEACH,"


The crowd here the Fourth was the largest ever entertained at this beach. It Is estimated there were 25,000 or more visitors who came over the various rail routes, besides many automobilists. There were nearly 3,000 bathers in the plunge, about 3,000 at the Roulette wheel, and 10,000 couples danced during the afternoon. The daylight fireworks were a very pleasant feature of the day. They have not yet lost their novelty.

With one or two exceptions, the program of events was carried out. Owing to the roughness of the water the swimming races, which were to be held in the open sea, were carried on in the plunge.

In the quarter-mile event for men, Ludwig Langer showed his mettle by winning from George Freeth, who came out second. They received respectively $5 and $3.

Jimmie Venable was first in the 100-yard men’s [foot] race, and Charles Usher second, the prizes being $5 and $3.

Miss Helen Caney was best runner among the ladles, going over a 50-yard course. Miss Mazie A. Crosby was second. The prizes were $3 and $2.

The egg and spoon race was changed to a plain 50-yard race, often to girls under 15. Eva Faulk won $2 and Lily Hurt $1.


A specially engraved told medal has been ordered by the United States Treasury Department, authorized by a special act of Congress, to be presented to George Freeth. Hawaiian swimming instructor and lifeguard here, for bravery. Freeth was officially notified today that Congress had granted the medal. He rescued nine Japanese [fishermen], on December 16, 1908, In a fierce storm off Venice. Few medals of this kind have ever been issued by Congress, the number not reaching a dozen. There is possibly but one other man on this Coast holding a medal of this order. The medals granted by Congress for bravery contain about $150 of gold.

"MADE REMARKABLE DIVE TO RECOVER VALUABLE GOLD MEDAL,"


What is believed here to be one of the most remarkable diving feats on the Pacific coast was performed here yesterday by George Freeth, bathhouse lifeguard, in recovering a valuable medal which fell into the ocean. Freeth was stepping aboard a barge at Wharf No. 1, when the medal, which was used as a watch fob, became unhooked. Freeth dived twice into the sea and recovered the medal. The dive is considered remarkable because there was a very rough sea at the time and the depth of the water was over thirty-nine feet. The medal was given to Freeth by congress in recognition of valor in saving seven lives from drowning at Venice on December 16, 1908.


George Freeth of Los Angeles, for several seasons connected with water polo teams in Southern California, is managing two speedy Honolulu swimmers, Duke Kahanamoku and Vincent Genoves, who have startled the Hawaiian people by their performances. The former is a sprinter and holds a record of 55.25 seconds for 100 yards.

"GEORGE FREETH HAS ACCIDENT, BUT MAY TRY OUT FOR GAMES," 


Goerge Freeth, champion diver of the Territory, is a candidate for the American team to be sent to the Olympic Games in Stockholm next July. Freeth, it will be remembered, took part in the water carnival here at which Duke Kahanamoku made his sensational records in the fifty and 100 yards events. He [Freeth] displayed remarkable prowess in the diving events on that occasion.

Freeth writes from Redondo Beach, Cal., to his old friend, Archie Robertson, as follows:

"I see by the papers that Duke and Vince are on their way to Pittsburg for the [Olympic] try-outs. There is only one chance for them to get beat, and that's in a small tank. A tank a hundred-feet long in that part of the country is a pretty long tank. It is a shame that they could not come down here [Redondo] for a month to get used to tank work. We have three tanks here. I hope my neck will get well pretty soon, because I want to try out for the high and fancy diving for the Olympic team. I was doing a cutaway one-and-one-half and hit bottom. It was goodnight for me for some time after."


George Freeth, lifeguard at the plunge, was taken suddenly ill last Friday evening with what is supposed to be ptomaine poisoning. He has been in Los Angeles under medical care. The many friends of Mr. Freeth were greatly concerned over his illness and are gratified to know that he is now on the high road to recovery.


George Freeth and A. B. Minor have applied for a patent on a life saving device that promises to be a “hummer," and one that bids fair to be in use along the coasts generally. The device is in torpedo shape and is fastened to the body of the guard, taking the place of a life buoy. A 1,500-foot cable is thereunto attached by means of a spool and when the lifeguard reaches the person helpless in the waves, he gives the signal and is pulled in by means of turning the wire cable on the spool. A very satisfactory demonstration of the workings of this invention was given to the public Sunday and those who witnessed it are loud in their praise of it. Messrs. Minor and Freeth expect to realize upon the venture and undoubtedly they will, if the very flattering comments they have received from reliable resources are taken as an indication.


A huge porpoise that has terrified bathers in the surf the past week and chased many frightened swimmers, was speared today by George Freeth. The porpoise was hit squarely between the eyes by the heavy three-pronged spear that Freeth used for spearing fish, and the porpoise, when hit, jumped several feet from the water and made off for deep sea.


Residents along beach row have been greatly annoyed during the past few weeks by several “peeping Toms” who steal up to windows and looking in upon occupants of houses. One of these gay Lotharios was caught in the act recently by George Freeth and given a symmetrical dip in the ocean until he begged for mercy. The next time he will not get off so easy as there are many pairs of eyes searching about every night for small-caliber people such as the persons in question have proven themselves to be.


George Freeth, the lifeguard at the bath-house, while giving exhibition diving this afternoon, struck the concrete bottom of the plunge and inflicted a painful and very deep wound directly over the left eye.


Redondo Beach: A new method of stopping beach flirtations has been inaugurated here by George Freeth, life guard. Attired in women's clothing, he paraded the beach until accosted, when he seized the would-be masher and rushed him, fully clad, into the surf.


George Freeth, the marvelous swimmer, won by six seconds a swimming race with the wonderful Duke Kahanamoku, Hawaiian swimming champion, at the Olympic Club at San Francisco, last Friday night. The northern papers state that the house went mad over the exhibition. When Freeth reached the rope ahead of the champion swimmer, there were cheers which lasted for several minutes. Duke Kahanamoku, whose reputation is known all over the globe, is a pupil of Mr. Freeth and to him he owes his present envious position. The boys are close friends and the Duke's wonderful success is a source of great happiness to Freeth.


REDONDO BEACH - A number of local swimmers have formed a surfboard riding club, the first organization of the kind in this country. The club, which has been organized by George Freeth the Hawaiian life guard and expert swimmer, will receive instruction in the Hawaiian sport from Freeth. Surfboards are now being made for the swimmers and the first lesson will be given Sunday when Freeth and six of the boys who have mastered the art of standing on the boards will give an exhibition. The swimmers who now ride the surfboard are Ludy Langer, Sidney Williams, Lee Morrow, Merle Reed and Raymond Smith. There are fourteen members in the club, which has adopted the mime of Hui Nalu, which means “surfing club," after the Hui Nalu Club of Honolulu, of which Freeth is a member.


George Freeth the well-known and well-liked swimming instructor at the bath house has resigned his position. He has not made any plans as yet as to the future, and it may be that he will go to his home in Honolulu. Freeth is one of the best artists in his line that can be readily found, and it is with considerable regret that the news of this resignation is met by his friends.


Everybody was mighty glad to see George Freeth back at the bath house after an absence of several months. But now he tells us he is not going to stay; that the salary which the bath house people can afford to pay is not enough compensation for the continual risk which he must take at any moment's warning. Can the citizens of Redondo Bench afford to let Freeth leave? In all the eight years that he has served as a lifeguard on the coast, he has not lost one life that he sought in the ocean waves. The city maintains a police force to look after the welfare of pedestrians; a fire department for protection, and why should they not set aside a fund for a lifeguard. With a salary of say forty dollars a month together with his salary at the hath house would he some inducement to keep a man, like Freeth, known the length and breadth of this continent for his heroism, in Redondo Beach. The saving of one life, were it someone near and dear to you, would fully repay all that it costs.

"FREETH INVENTS: HAS NEW SURF BOARD THAT HAS OTHER STYLES CHEATED—TWO CAN USE IT,"


George Freeth has designed a surf board which is expected to prove popular with surf swimmers this season. This board is an improvement on the Hawaiian surf board, which Freeth learned to use during his residence on the Islands. It is made of oil-soaked Oregon pine and weighs forty pounds. The top side is perfectly flat, but the bottom is beveled to the edges and shaped to a point. Freeth has used this board with great success in the surf at Redondo Beach, and says the sport [here] compares favorably with that of the Islands, although the surf breaks nearer the shore. The Freeth board has been placed on exhibition and several orders have been placed for them by southern surf swimmers. Owing to the weight of these boards, two men can ride them standing up and the designer expects to develop a number of surf-board experts during the coming summer.


A motor-driven life-saving apparatus, on which life guards can rush to the scene of an accident at the rate of seventy miles an hour, with lifelines, buoy, first aids and a stretcher, has been installed in the Redondo Beach bath-house. The device, which is the most complete life-saving equipment on the Coast, was invented by George Freeth, the Hawaiian life guard, and consists of a powerful motorcycle with a third wheel attachment on which are carried a box ten feet long on springs to be used as a stretcher, and a lifeline on a reel and buoy arrangement carrying 1,200 feet of wire. In the stretcher box is a pulmotor for resuscitation, blankets, bandages and first aid remedies. There are two seats on the motorcycle and while one life guard drives the machine the second can put on the life belt ready to swim out with the lifeline to which is attached a lightweight torpedo-shaped metal buoy which will float a weight of more than 250 pounds. The buoy and wire lifeline device is also Freeth’s invention, for which a patent has been applied and has been used on the beach for some months.

The motorcycle lifesaver was tried out today by Freeth and Ludy Langer, who demonstrated how the life savers could rescue a drowning person a mile from the bath-house within two minutes. The apparatus is the only one of Its kind and will ensure greater safety to bathers along the beach than ever before.


As a result of hurrying to the scene of a reported drowning near the Pacific Light and Power Company's plant this afternoon. Life Guard George Freeth has a broken leg. When the alarm was sent to the bath-house. Freeth was driving the life-saving motorcycle for practice, and he hurried for the scene of the accident. In swerving to one side to avoid running into a newsboy, Freeth ran the machine into the curbing and it collided with a telegraph pole. Freeth was thrown to the ground and George Mitchell, who was riding on the back seat of the motorcycle, attempted to stop the big machine, which refused to stop until he steered it into the opposite curbing. Freeth is now at the Mitchell home on the Esplanade.


George Freeth, for four years life guard here, left Wednesday to begin his duties the first of the month in Los Angeles, where he takes charge of the Los Angeles Athletic Club's swimming tank.

"NOTED SWIMMER CAPTURES SEA LION IN ITS ELEMENT—BATTLE LASTS HALF AN HOUR AS THOUSANDS GASP,"


HERMOSA BEACH—Diving oft the new municipal pier in sight of thousands who had come here to celebrate the opening for a second day, George Freeth, noted Hawaiian swimmer, seized the tail of a young sea lion swimming in the sea, and after a battle that lasted for half an hour, hoisted the animal into a boat from which the astonished occupants sprang into the water in their fright.

Freeth's left hand and arm were badly lacerated in the struggle and patches of skin were gashed from his legs by the animal, which used teeth and flippers in a mad fight for freedom. When the three boys, who occupied the boat, climbed aboard again one of them was severely bitten on the leg.

The municipal pier was crowded with spectators, all interested in the diving and swimming races, when their attention was attracted by the sight of the man and the sea lion struggling in the ocean for supremacy. Freeth is an instructor at the Los Angeles Athletic Club and was giving an exhibition of his prowess as a diver when he noticed a young sea lion in the vicinity of the small skiff containing three young boys.

The sea lion kept close to the boat and Freeth swam out to the skiff from the wharf. He got aboard the boat and waited for an opportunity when the sea lion was close, then dove after him and managed to catch him by the tail.

Then issued one of the fiercest battles ever seen In the water. One minute the sea lion and man were on the surface of the water and the next they were out of sight and the big crowd would hold its breath until the combatants were again on the surface. The man, however, managed to tire out the sea lion, as it had a fish line fast in its mouth and the swimmer hung to the tail and the line until it was captured.

1883 - 1918: GEORGE FREETH'S LIFE AND TIMES IN NEWSPRINT

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