I need to learn how to swim.
In the past few days, two young people have been found dead in swimming pools - one in Morgan Park - the other in Evergreen Park.
I cringed when I saw these stories - because they made me remember my near-death experience in the water.
It was four years ago.
I was living in Elmira, New York and taking a water aerobics class at the local YMCA.
My float band somehow got away from me and ended up in the deep end of the pool.
Oh, did I mention that I lied to the instructor and told her that I knew how to swim?
So, anyway, I wandered away from the shallow end - doggonit - I was going to get that band.
The next few minutes are kind of a blur - but here's the little that I remember.
The water just kept getting deeper and deeper.
I started to panic - then I went under. Way under.
I was rescued by two lifeguards - who kept bragging about how they saved the TV woman and how she doesn't know how to swim.
Needless to say, that was the end of my water aerobics class.
So, here I am in 2008, and I still cannot swim.
But, today I am vowing to take a swim class at the local YMCA.
Who cares if I get my weave soaking wet?
Who cares that I have to wear a bathing suit (oh, the dread)?
Hey, I love to fish and go to the beach, and I want to do both without being afraid.
Do you know how to swim? How old were you when you learned?
Have ever had an experience like mine that inspired you to learn how to swim?
I’ll see you in the water :-)
Comments (1)
Regina,
I feel you. I too can't swim... and I too had a near death experience ... picture this it was 1991 -- I was 7 and in Virgina visiting my aunt. We went to the community pool to cool off... I was goofing around with my cousin and my foot got caught on the rope that separates the deep end from the shallow. My cousin thought I was joking around and left me. The lifeguards couldn't see me because I was literally underneath them. So this old man -- he was like in his late 60s jumped in and saved me. That incident has scared me for life. I have tried to take several swimming classes - but I have this fear of water covering my face. Last Summer, I tried again and took a swimming class at the park district and I did pretty well. I got in the water.
So if you want someone to brave death with ... holla at your girl.
Your favorite producer ;),
Afua
Posted by Afua | August 15, 2008 12:37 PM
Posted on August 15, 2008 12:37