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A Pool Owner's Nightmare

© Marie-Helen Goyetche

On May 17, 1998, a pool owner's nightmare came true.

My sons, Max (7 years old), and Alex (5 years old) and their friend Gaby (5 years old) were getting ready for a dip in our pool. it was a real treat for the children to have the pool ready during the May heat-wave. The little boy from across the street, Gabriel (also 5 years old) asked if he could go swimming too. I told him that he had to go home and ask his mother. If she said 'yes' he was to come back with a bathing suit and a life jacket as the two younger boys already were wearing the life jackets we had. Max didn't need one because he knew how to swim. Gabriel went running home.

A few minutes had passed when Max told me Gabriel was back wearing trunks. Not giving it a second thought, I told the boys I'd be right out.

My husband asked me if Gabriel knew how to swim since he seemed to be having trouble in the water- at least that's what he saw from where he was sitting.

WHAT? No one was to be in the water. I literally flew out on to the porch. Gabriel was in the water with only his forehead and hair sticking out of the water.

"Dive!" my husband yelled to me, "dive". I grabbed the child by the arms and brought him to the side of the pool. He was coughing and crying but all was well. After nine first-aid courses (and refreshers) I was glad I didn't have to use my CPR or mouth-to-mouth skills.

My husband took Gabriel from my arms while I went in the pool to search for my glasses. Gabriel's mom came in our yard and started laughing when she saw me dressed in the pool. Maybe it was a nervous laugh but then her face changed when she saw her soaking wet and coughing son. My husband explained to her what had just happened.

Needless to say that Gabriel's mom had not given him the permission to go swimming because he has had too many ear infections. He wasn't allowed to go swimming and came to check because she was suspicious he'd want to go swimming.

She turned to me and said "Thank you for saving his life" and left weeping with her son.

Everyone in this story is alive and healthy, but not all situation end so happily. Pool owners have their responsibilities just as parents have to teach their children about water dangers here are a few guidelines. Even if you know them review them regular, you can never be too sure nor too safe.

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