Yesterday I saved a little girl from drowning. It was one of those, in the right place at the right time moments.
My own kids were taking part in swimming lessons and it was one of those chaotic moments when the recreational swim was over and the swimming lessons were starting. Children were getting out of the pool as a whole swarm of children were going in for swimming lessons. Teachers were gathering their kids. Molly-Mae's teacher went to get a step for some of her little ones to stand on. Another teacher and the lifeguard were removing the rope barrier. There were little ones everywhere.
You know as a parent you become hypersensitive to the cries of kids. I heard a shout that definitely did not sound like the squeals of delight that were coming from all around me. I was in the water carrying Charlie to his class and as I span around to work out where the noise was coming from, I could see this little girl completely submerged, arms flailing and she definitely was not playing around. I don't think I've ever moved so fast! I grabbed the girl by the arm and yanked her out of the water into my arms. Holding her and Charlie close to me as she coughed, sputtered and cried. I looked around me, still no adults. Molly-Mae's teacher came back with the step and I asked her if this little girl was one of her students, she was. I handed the frightened little thing over to her teacher, grateful for the happy ending.
She had waded in to get to her regular spot and just went to far. The more she panicked the deeper she was getting. As a parent, especially with swimming, let this be a warning, never take your eyes off your child, because believe me no-one noticed her.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
14 comments:
HOLY SHITE! Thank goodness you listened and acted and and and...
Such fragile moments we navigate as parents.
Such fragility.
Thank god for you.
Wow Heather. Thank GOD you were there and were paying attention. Thank you so much for sharing this with us today. I wonder if the swim instructor told the girl's parents what happened. Regardless, so glad you were there....
Thank God you were paying attention. My mother was a championship swimmer and she taught us to swim because the water could be dangerous. But she always made sure that we knew it was dangerous. Even the lifeguards don't see everyone all the time.
Wow! What a scary thing to happen. You did the right thing by noticing her scream and not ignoring your instincts. Thank heavens you were paying attention and saved that little girl.
The combination of swimming pools and small children is enough to give me a panic attack!
Thank God you were there. When I was a kid one of my friends little brothers drowned. He was pulled out of the water too late and didnt make it. I will never forget that day. I am super vigilant about this to this day becuase of that.
Such an important lesson for all of us as pool time approaches. Thank God you were there. So scary.
That's amazing.
You know I have fantasies about doing things like that. Whenever I hear about a terrible accident that could have been avoided, I automatically visualize how I could have helped if I had been in the right place at the right time...
I've directed lost children to parents in play areas - but that's about it. So I just keep my superhero costume in my bag at all times, just in case.
Holy cow, that is one of the scariest stories I've ever heard. Thank GOD you were there, saw her and had the sense to act quickly to save her! Good for you. Good for her!
On behalf of parents everywhere, THANK YOU!!!
my sister - the HERO!
I suspect that your previous life as a lifeguard helped you to be (subconsciously) hypervigilent - doesn't change the fact that you did an amazing thing for that child. I'm so proud of you!
You are a hero!
Swimming accidents are so scary, for years I watched my children like a hawk.
Thank goodness that you were there!
That just gave me chills. Thanks to you we are not hearing about this as a tragic death on the news. Scary!!
Someone did notice her - a very keen-eyed mother. It's amaxing to think that someone's life can be over in the blink of an eye and no one sees it - I've had a similar experience before. It scares the living daylights out of you doesn't it? Good for you!
Oh My God.
Scary! and sad that no one noticed her but you. Thank God you were there. I hope her mom heard of this. That's terrible. Great job!
Did the teacher show any remorse for leaving the child on her own? Thank goodness you reacted quickly.
Post a Comment