I'm under the water

by Linda

Hi Dennis,
Just about 5 weeks ago I took a niece (10 yrs) and nephew (5 yrs) to the pool. In they jumped. The 5 yr old had a noodle to hold on to. I was still getting towels situated and the like. Next thing I knew the 5 year old had lost his noodle and was under the water. I jumped in and pulled him out before he actually inhaled, but it did take a few days off my life.

My response to this was of course to begin swimming lessons that very day. While I was teaching him to go under water, jump in to me and such, he started talking about his previous scare. I asked him what he was thinking about while he was under water. He said, "I was thinking - I'm under the water. This sucks. I'm probably going to die!"

I'm happy to report I went swimming with this child yesterday and he is now able to swim under water, float on his back, and get his head out of the water for air. And I still wouldn't take my eyes off him at the pool, but I do feel more comfortable being there with him.

Thanks for the public service you are providing.

Linda