In September, I faced the most terrifying half-minute of my life, believing that my 2-year-old daughter was on the verge of death. The sound my partner made was unlike anything I had ever heard before. We found her floating face down in a hot tub, and the image of her blue, seemingly lifeless body being pulled from the water is something I struggle to forget. Thankfully, this harrowing tale has a positive conclusion, and I want to share some insights from my daughter Mia’s accident. My aim is to present an objective account that serves as a cautionary reminder.
Our weekend began joyfully as we visited my in-laws’ new home in Austin. We spent the Labor Day weekend enjoying their pool. On Sunday, after a pleasant lunch downtown, we returned to swim for a few hours, looking forward to grilling steaks that evening before our long drive home.
Around 5 p.m., Mia expressed that she was finished swimming. She began to remove her floaty but needed assistance from a family member. I permitted the floaty to come off, as we prepared to dry off and have dinner. This decision would haunt me.
At that moment, my partner Jamie and my father-in-law had exited the pool, while my mother-in-law and I were preparing to follow suit. As we engaged in casual conversation, Mia quietly climbed onto the edge of the hot tub and slipped beneath the water without any of us noticing. It all happened in silence and in an instant. The realization that I nearly lost my child is something I can hardly articulate.
I had prepared myself by reading countless articles on drowning, understanding that it doesn’t resemble the dramatic scenes we see in movies. Jamie and I had even discussed pool safety just days before our trip, assuring each other that we had taken all necessary precautions. Mia would keep her floaty on, an extra lock was installed on the door, and we promised to maintain constant vigilance over her.
Yet, despite our efforts, the unthinkable occurred. Jamie swiftly pulled Mia from the water, laid her on the grass, and began performing CPR. He administered chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, but she remained unresponsive. I felt detached from reality, overwhelmed by anguish as my brother-in-law restrained me. All I wanted was to hold her.
Eventually, Mia coughed up blood, and we feared the worst, assuming we were losing her. Then, she expelled more blood and water, a moment that felt like a miracle. Jamie handed her to me, and while I held her tightly, he called 911. The paramedics arrived, and I begged them for reassurance, though they only affirmed that she was alive and in capable hands.
We rushed to Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin, where we spent nearly four hours in the ER. We repeated the story of the accident countless times, and I remember a doctor telling Jamie that he had saved her life. It was a moment of overwhelming emotion.
Once we were settled in a room, which was a step down from ICU, my infant daughter, Lily, was allowed to stay with us. Although the doctors reassured us that Mia would survive and likely not suffer serious brain damage, I didn’t truly exhale until she accepted a popsicle around midnight. Her enjoyment of that simple treat was a sign of her recovery.
After a day had passed, we were discharged, returning home with our healthy miracle. Reflecting on this experience, we’ve come to several important conclusions:
1. The Impact of Extra Adults
While having more adults around can provide additional eyes, it can also create distractions. In our case, we all assumed someone else was watching Mia, leading to a lapse in vigilance.
2. Floatation Devices Are Not a Substitute for Swimming Skills
Mia had been confident with her floaty but may have forgotten she wasn’t wearing it anymore. Our new priority is to enroll her and Lily in private swimming lessons, ensuring Mia learns to swim before we return to any pool.
3. The Importance of CPR Training
Knowing CPR can be lifesaving. I was unaware that Jamie had annual CPR recertification through the military, which proved invaluable. I realized I hadn’t been certified in years and have now signed up for a class that includes essential skills like the Heimlich maneuver.
4. The Power of Kindness
After returning from the hospital, I took Mia to a dentist appointment where she played with other children. Their kindness reminded me of the importance of being compassionate, as we never know what struggles others are facing.
5. Faith as a Support System
Throughout this ordeal, our faith in God provided comfort. When words failed us, we turned to prayer, drawing on scripture for peace and hope. This experience has deepened our faith, and we are grateful for the strength it provided.
For further insights into swim safety and CPR, consider exploring resources like ISR swim lessons, the American Red Cross, and for more on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Make a Mom, which is an authority on this topic.
In summary, while we cannot foresee every danger, we can learn, adapt, and protect our loved ones.