Learned a huge lesson yesterday

[bobbie]

So Morgan and I were out yesterday with our neighbor enjoying a great day on the river. We were headed in to the dock and I was getting into the bow in preparation to jump out. As we were getting closer to the dock we noticed a swimmer swimming a bit too far out in the river. I called out to her and said she's hard to see from the boat and might want to get closer to shore. She said something like "yeah, I'm trying". I asked her if she need help and she replied "yes". We quickly realized she was looking a bit panicked and tired.

After throwing her a flotation device and getting her onto the boat it was very apparent to all of us this could have been a disaster within a few minutes. As it turned out...she said she was attempted to cross the river (stupid idea) and ran out of steam. She was probably around 15 or so; swimming without a life preserver and obviously in not in any type of shape.

I really think we prevented a drowning yesterday. There wasn't anyone in the position to help her if she were to go under. I remember reading the thread this forum has regarding drowning and realized how accurate that information is. So thanks to all those that have posted regarding what it looks like when someone is in trouble and morgan and I vowed to make sure we check in swimmers that are too far from shore.

 

[Kevin M]

Wow, glad you were there to save her and prevent another water tragedy.

 

[2nazt]

Awesome job! You were her guardian angle that day.

 

[bobbie]

Right place...right time. @2nazt @Kevin M

 

[Devin Jensen]

nice to hear these stories! good job

 

[Bill D]

Way to go @bobbie!

 

[bobbie]

@Bill D Team effort, Bill!

 

[OCMD]

Heroes.....and where the hell were that kid's (yes, 15 is a kid) parents!

 

[bobbie]

@OCMD The group of people we assumed she was from was several yards where her friend was. As we backed the boat in near the shore, it was obvious her friend had no idea what was going on. She got caught in the river current and we assumed she stupidly was trying to swim against the current instead of riding it as she tried to return to shore. A rip current kind of thing.

 

[swatski]

Wow, that's awesome you were so aware!

 

[0627Devildog]

Great job. And a good reminder that drowning does not always look like drowning. . . .

https://jetboaters.net/threads/drowning-doesnt-look-like-drowning-read-this-please.732/

 

[bobbie]

@swatski something just seemed a bit off.......believe me....we all said over and over on the ride home how glad we were to pipe up. @0627Devildog That's the thread! A must read at the beginning of the boating season no matter how many times it's been read.

 

[Bennie]

@bobbie - That is amazing!! One hell of a catch and a true "near miss"!!

This is what we prepare for. This is why have PFD, throwables and we read that very informative thread on drownings!! Most will not see such information as "required" reading, or really as a "safety tool" to have in your back pocket. But it are moments like this that we need to SEE that such information is truly necessary.

These Significant Emotional Events are what are needed for some to SEE how truly valuable such information is.

Thank you very much for sharing.

 

[Gym]

Nice job @bobbie.

 

[ar240owner]

Wow !!! It is awesome to know that we have awesome people with us !!! Great job !!!

 

[Speedling]

Awesomeness!
If someone actually agrees they need help they usually NEED help!

 

[Wayloncle]

Good job!
You guys were at the right place right time for a reason!

 

[96Pirate]

Nice job @bobbie and the rest of your team. Could have been very easily overlooked but I commend you on your awareness.

 

[itsdgm]

Great job @bobbie. Way to be heads up!!!

 

[Devildog]

Wow. Incredible story and you acting so quickly to help. How many others would have just drove by while mumbling "idiot" under their breathe. Good job.