Very close to death experiences - what would your last words have been?

[mnhtnbb]

41. I got caught in a rip current at Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas (CA) when I was 16.

I was swimming with a friend, who had gotten out and was sitting on a beach towel. There was a lifeguard.

When I realized I was in trouble--and I was an excellent swimmer--I started screaming for help in between
ducking under the waves as they crashed over me and catching my breath only to have to duck under another one.
It hit me that no one was coming to help--my friend didn't realize I was in trouble and the guard apparently couldn't hear me or see me waving-- and
if I wasn't going to drown, I had to get out myself. The junior red cross
lifesaving course I had taken when I was 12 kicked in and I started swimming parallel to shore beyond where the
waves were breaking. I did swim out of the current and then was able to make my way in to the beach. When
I got out of the water I collapsed. I literally could not stand up I was so exhausted. It was a helluva an experience.

I suspect I said, "oh shit" just before I realized I had to get myself out of trouble or I was going to drown.



Getting caught in a rip current happens a lot to people. I saw an article just this morning that at Emerald Isle--our favorite beach here in NC-
a body was recovered this morning of a teen who disappeared on Saturday while swimming with friends. Another friend was airlifted to
a hospital in Greenville--alive, but not doing well--who also was caught in the rip current. The other kids who were part of the group all got out ok.
The one who died and the one in the hospital were both said to be not good swimmers by their friends. The ocean is a dangerous place.

http://www.wral.com/body-of-missing-wayne-county-teen-found-off-emerald-isle/16759553/