He made no attempt to swim, but pulled himself along by the line, hand-over-hand, his head for the most of the time under the water.

But presently he emerged and they saw him clamber to the deck, crawl along it and disappear.

He seemed a long time there, but he came into sight again eventually and began the return trip.

Perry was back by then and they formed a line by clasping hands and Joe stood well above his waist, battered by the surf, and Steve was helped along from one to another and presently they were all back on the beach once more.
"I got it over," gasped Steve, "but it was hard work.

I think it will hold.