[rpsw]

I also have a similar memory as a teenager swimming in a river. A young boy was on his own, with only his face above the water, with said wide-eyed expression. I asked him if he needed help, he managed to say yes, and I pushed him to the river bank. He ran back to his family.

I heard his mum giving out to his older brothers for not watching him. There is a good chance that young boy would have run out of energy and slipped under the surface with no one noticing. It's a nice thought that I may have saved his life and also saved his family from all the grief and guilt that would have caused. I doubt he remembers it - not that it matters.

[hammock]

If you like these life-saving type of experiences, I encourage adrenaline sports. Whitewater kayaking, big mountain skiing, etc. Having done these for years I can say there are opportunities every season to save a life and to have my own saved by someone else. It is exhilarating.