I I had just finished school when I went to Brisbane to spend the summer with an old friend. It was a very hot day when her father suggested she go to the beach in Maroochydore. When we got there it was windy and choppy so we decided to go into shallow water.
The next thing I knew, the water came up to my knees, then up to my chest, and then pulled me under. Even though I grew up near the beach and swam a lot in my time, I had never experienced a breakup before, so I had no idea what was going on. I kept trying to swim to the surface of the water, but I would get to the surface, take one breath, and then be pulled back down. Now I know that I need to swim sideways to avoid the rip, but at that moment all I wanted to do was get to shore and I couldn't.
This went on for quite a long time and I was very tired. It was unrealistic to go swimming and drown a few moments later. I remember thinking: Mom will be very upset that I died.
At this point I was quite far from the shore, and the last time I reached the surface, I heard a voice: “Do you need help?” I was too out of breath to speak so I just nodded and this man, a surfer on his board, pulled me out and took me to the beach. I didn't even see his face because I was so focused on getting to shore. Once I stumbled back onto the sand, I didn't tell my friend what happened, too embarrassed to talk and not wanting to ruin her day.
If that surfer hadn't grabbed me, I'm sure I would have drowned, like so many Australians do on the beach. This could be the end of my story. I was 18 at the time and I am now 74. I have had a long, happy and productive life thanks to that stranger whose face I have never seen. I would like to thank him from the bottom of my heart.
What's the nicest thing a stranger has ever done for you?
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