| I am eternally grateful to a properly trained triathalon course observer who saw the signs and rescued me. I was halfway through the swim portion (first segment) of a triathalon that required wetsuits. Coming from warmer climes, I didn't own one so I was fitted for a tri-suit at a pro shop two days before the event. I trained a few times with it in a gym pool to get used to it, and I thought everything was good for race day. But it turned out it was slightly too tight, and I could not quite inhale sufficiently. Half-way across the Delaware river I remember remarking to myself that the waves were crashing over me; I was spending more time swimming under water than on the surface. I wasn't terrified, I just felt really weird. It wouldn't make sense - all this training and I can't keep my head above the water? I don't remember passing out, but an observer was watching me from a kayak, and he hauled me to a rescue launch. I hadn't inhaled any water, all they had to do was yank open the zipper on my suit. I guess I turned from blue back to pink and everybody had a good laugh, but I couldn't thank that observer in the kayak enough. I take a moment every now and then to thank those people who are trained and vigilant, standing station and ready to save us when we least expect it. |