Regina’s Writings: Almost

By M. Regina Cram

Caution: This story contains the description of a near drowning.

I grew up in the small coastal town of Swampscott, north of Boston. Swampscott kids learn to swim at an early age, as it’s considered a necessary life skill.

As an adult, I got in the habit of swimming laps each summer at a nearby outdoor pool. I love the sensation of the water as I glide along its surface. It feels like freedom.

Several springs ago, I climbed into the pool for my first swim of the season. Partway through the fourth lap, I sucked in a huge gulp of water that went down my windpipe. I began coughing so violently that I couldn’t keep swimming. I knew I had to get to the shallow end of the pool where I could stand up, so I sank to the bottom to push off and propel myself forward. But the pool was deeper than expected, and I inhaled more water. I clawed my way to the surface and tried gasping for air, but my lungs were flooded with pool water, and the pool kept pulling me under against my will. I was in trouble, and I knew it.

I tried to cry out, but if you can’t breathe, you can’t speak. My lungs burned in a frantic need for air. I had nine of the ten signs of a real drowning. “This is crazy!” I kept thinking. “I can’t be drowning!”

Just then, a young woman approached the lifeguard. Pointing to me, the young woman said, “I think that lady might need help. I’d go in, but I’m not a strong swimmer.”

The lifeguard seemed surprised, but she turned to me and asked, “Do you need help?” I tried to nod. Then my eyes rolled back in my head, and I went under for the last time.

All hell broke loose as the lifeguard jumped into action. She blew the whistle twice, signaling everyone to get out of the pool, then jumped in with a rescue float. Two additional guards helped carry me to the shallow end and sat me on the steps, where I continued to gasp wildly for air. All eyes were on me. I was so embarrassed. I wanted to tell people that I’m actually a good swimmer, but it would have sounded ridiculous. I wasn’t a good swimmer that day.

I coughed and choked for a very long time.

Afterward, I learned some unsettling facts about drowning. Most people think they know the signs of drowning – yelling, splashing, flailing. In reality, most drownings occur silently and quickly with no flailing. Drowning people can stay above the water’s surface for only 20-60 seconds before going underwater. Even strong swimmers can drown, and it can happen without anyone noticing.

I am profoundly grateful to parishioner Mary Harrington, the young woman who saw something, so she said something.

And I thank God for the gift of another breath, another day, another tomorrow.

M. Regina Cram is a published author and parishioner of SS. Isidore and Maria Parish.