After I Learned to Swim, What Should I Remember When Jumping In to Save Someone?

I grew up near a lake, and in summer a midday dip was compulsory. I was thirteen that year; he was twelve.

One afternoon we went swimming together. After two laps I sat on the shore to rest while he kept paddling around.

About five meters out he exhausted himself and couldn’t make it back. He began to sink.

I jumped in to help. The instant I reached out to grab him, he clamped onto me and stepped on my head to pry himself up for air.

I thrashed in the water, holding my breath and flailing toward shore.

He managed to grab some wild grass by the lake and pull himself out.

When I finally raised my head to gulp air, I saw him sitting dazed on the bank, watching me struggle.

Those five meters felt endless. I didn’t think much of it then, but every time I recall it now I realize how close I came to dying.

Published at: Jul 28, 2019 · Modified at: Jan 14, 2026