I nearly died drowning
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.