Thanks for helping me look more reasonable, Cornflakes.
FTR, I almost drowned several years ago when attempting to rescue a drowning man. I went in the water reluctantly–filled with terror, actually–considering my mediocre swimming skills and non-existent training. He was in Total Panic Mode and, when I reached him, he pulled me underwater several times. I tried to fight him off but, being tired from the swim, could not. He was going absolutely crazy and soon we both were underwater and drowning. To this day, the sketchy, black memories of my almost drowning are still terrifying and every few months I have these horrifying “night terrors,” as my physician calls them.
Fortunately, for both of us, two off-duty Navy guys (special force SEALS, according to news reports) were came to our rescue. Though I don’t remember the incident, as I was unconscious and underwater, if not for their heroism, we both would have died. The incident made the local evening news that night, at which time an interviewed paramedic pointed out to viewers that inside a nearby trash bin he found an empty gallon container of fruit juice that could have been used as a flotation device.
Turns out the other guy had been drinking.
Cornflakes, you’re absolutely correct about everything you say. To the rest of you–be prepared.
You fatigue very quickly in water–and panic soon thereafter.