I nearly died drowning
Personal accounts of near‑drowning, kayaking accidents, rip currents and childhood pool incidents highlight how quickly water situations can turn lethal, even for strong swimmers. Commenters stress that drowning is a leading cause of death for young children, often silent and occurring in seconds, and argue for early, systematic swim and water‑safety training rather than ad‑hoc or traumatic exposure. The thread also explores how near‑death experiences reshape people’s attitudes toward risk, anxiety, and mortality, and how trauma and memory from early childhood water incidents can persist in subtle ways.
Reaction to the article and near‑death experiences
- Many found the piece powerful, haunting, and beautifully written; several said it made them cry or helped them understand their own or relatives’ experiences.
- Multiple commenters shared their own near‑death experiences (drowning, blizzards, riptides, car crashes, big-wave surfing, river accidents, winter hikes).
- Common themes: sudden clarity, a split between “action mode” and emotional awareness, and strong self-criticism (“I’ve been an idiot”) when realizing they’d exceeded their skills or ignored safety rules.
- Outcomes diverged: some reported lasting gratitude and lower baseline anxiety; others developed persistent anxiety, sleep issues, or fear of specific environments (ocean, stroke recurrence).
Drowning risk and safety, especially for children
- Several emphasized drowning as a major, often underappreciated cause of death for children; others argued it is widely discussed in media and policy but still underweighted by parental risk perception.
- Stories of child drownings or near-drownings at pools and beaches underscored that it happens quickly, silently, and often in crowded settings with floaties and even lifeguards present.
- Strong consensus that early swim/water-survival training (including infant and toddler programs) and strict supervision near water are critical.
Controversial parenting practices around water
- A long subthread debated parents deliberately letting or making children fall into water “to see what happens” or “teach respect.”
- Critics framed this as unethical, potentially traumatic, and a betrayal of trust.
- Defenders cited tradition, perceived benefits (healthy fear, real-world learning), and noted that many children later enjoy water.
- Related debate on infant and toddler trauma: some argued early experiences are forgotten; others cited research and personal experience that pre-verbal trauma can persist somatically and behaviorally.
Outdoors risk, preparedness, and responsibility
- Multiple commenters described being underprepared in backcountry, snow, kayaking, and surf, highlighting the gap between enthusiasm and skill.
- Emphasis on not going alone in risky environments, practicing emergency procedures, and recognizing that risky choices endanger rescuers and companions as well.
Ancillary debates
- Discussion on dogs in backcountry: some say they increase awareness; others say they can provoke wildlife (e.g., bears).
- Brief disputes about how early autobiographical memory can form and how reliable such memories are.