About drowning

    Have you ever been close to drowning? Do you even know how it looks when a person is drowning?
Earlier today i was reading an article stating that the second cause of accidental death among people under the age of 15 is drowning. I don't know if this is correct, but even if it isn't, drowning is still in the top 5. It also talked about how some kids drown right next to their parents who are not aware of what is actually happening. Initially i thought "well, ignorant parents, how could they not notice?" then my brain dug up an 18 years old memory of a 7 years old me nearly drowning at a hand's reach of my father.
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    We were playing in belly-deep water for me (so it was probably between knee and hip for him). Not deep enough to drown in, right? Wrong! I loved to cannonball a lot and it was all fun and games until one day while doing this i couldn't sync my breathing to his amazingly fast throwing ability. I missed a breath while he threw me in the water and when he grabbed me to lift me and throw me again i gasped for air. I didn't manage to get half a breath. When i got on my feet and put my head out of the water i screamed. I screamed when i was thrown back, but he thought i was just happy with all the splashing and playing. Back into the water. Pulled out, then thrown again. This time i didn't scream, i couldn't anymore. I watched my trip to the water like it was though someone else's eyes and there was no sound at all. I remember i closed my eyes on impact and i opened them underwater.

    I was in a squatting position and it was all so beautifully serene. The water was crystal clear like you would see in a dream photograph. Time slowed down. I watched the bubbles coming out of my mouth, dancing in front of my eyes, rising through strands of my hair to the surface just 10 cm above my head. I couldn't move, nor did i want to. My hands were lazily floating in front of my eyes, fitting perfectly in this calm scene and the hair moved so beautifully slow it was actually like watching it in slow-slow motion. It was just so peaceful. I felt peaceful. I continued to watch this scene, to wonder about the bubbles, my hands and hair and the crystal clear water. I was aware of the position i was in but i just didn't want to get up. It didn't even crossed my mind to do this. I felt no pain, i felt no need for air. It was like i belonged there, like a fish. What a beautiful reality i was living.

    It was then when i felt two strong hands pulling me from my serene world, disturbing my peace. I was angry. I closed my eyes and didn't open them until i was standing on my own feet, with the water reaching my belly again. I almost felt angry for a split second that i was disturbed. Then i got back to the real-reality and i realized that just moments ago i was drowning. I looked up at my father and said:
    "- I almost drowned. Didn't you see me drowning?
    - When? He asked with a very confused look on his face.
    - Just now.
    - What? No, i just thought you were diving."

    I loved diving and exploring underwater, but i don't think i ever stood still while doing it. He continued to look confused and thought i made a bad joke. I didn't insist, i just got out of the water and never played this game again. I don't know for how long i was under water, it felt like minutes to me, but i'm sure it was a lot less than that. If you encounter any mistakes in any of my texts, past, present or future, know it all is from the brain damage i got that day. Lol, kidding and feeling lucky to be able to joke about it today.
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    I described this particular scene in so much detail to get you close to what i actually felt and saw. Drowning isn't like in the movies, with a lot of screaming and flailing your arms around like you're on fire. It isn't like this at all, you don't scream because all you want is breathe and you can't do that while screaming (people rarely scream in this situation and even when they do, it's only for a very short time, like in my case). Screaming is a waste of time and energy and people can barely see your struggle because it mostly happens underwater. This fighting instinct doesn't last long either. Drowning is mostly silent. If you see anyone who is too peaceful and still, intervene immediately. It's better to interrupt someone from diving/whatever they are doing rather than letting them drown because you think they are safely enjoying themselves. Just my two cents.

    Have you experienced something similar? I'm curious how it was for you.
    Meanwhile, take care of you and those around you