Amplify Blog - A Life Saved
by QFCC Youth Advocate Rahim
WARNING - This blog discusses themes of drowning and may be confronting for some readers.
Every summer, as the sun shines brightly and temperatures rise, families flock to pools, lakes, and beaches seeking solace in the refreshing allure of the waters. However, beneath these picturesque settings lies the potential for tragedy if we fail to prioritize safety. This is precisely why initiatives like National Drowning Prevention Week hold such vital importance. Today, I will share a personal tale that not only underscores the significance of water safety but also delves into the profound impact of this annual event.
Picture a scorching summer day, where my family had meticulously planned a delightful picnic beside the pool. We had all recently arrived in Australia from Afghanistan and were excited to swim in the waters we have heard and seen so much about. Anticipation surged through our veins as we eagerly awaited a day teeming with laughter, mouthwatering treats, and the refreshing respite of the inviting water. As a young child, nothing delighted me more than the delightful sensation of water caressing my skin. Truly it felt like a symphony of pure joy a moment in which I was unburdened by the weight of the world. After devouring delicious sandwiches and playing games, we decided to venture into the water. We waded in cautiously at first, but soon our confidence grew, and we ventured farther away from the shore. Little did we know that this carefree day would soon take a dangerous turn.
As I splashed around, a chilling realisation struck me. I had ventured too far from the familiar faces of my companions. Panic gripped my heart as I desperately attempted to swim back up towards the security, but my efforts proved futile. Exhaustion enveloped me, weakening my arms with each stroke. A profound dread consumed me as the realisation sank in that I was drowning. Time seemed to slow down as water filled my mouth, making it difficult to breathe. Thoughts of my family, the picnic, and the laughter we shared raced through my mind. I desperately wished to return to that moment, to be saved from this harrowing ordeal.
Just when despair threatened to consume me entirely, a figure materialised seemingly out of thin air. With a single, powerful stroke, he bridged the chasm between us, hauling me above the treacherous surface. Gasping for precious air, I clung to him as my guardian angel. As I caught my breath, I learned that this stranger was actually my neighbour. His quick response was what saved my life. Gratitude washed over me, along with a profound understanding of the importance of water safety. In that instant, I vowed to never take swimming lightly again.