In September, I faced one of the most harrowing moments of my life — believing that my 2-year-old daughter was slipping away. My husband, Mike, emitted a scream I had never heard before. We saw our little girl, Emma, floating face down in a hot tub, and the terror of watching her lifeless body being pulled from the water is a memory I am struggling to erase.
Fortunately, this story has a happy ending, and I feel compelled to share some insights from Emma’s accident. This isn’t just an emotionally charged account but rather a cautionary tale that could help other families.
Our weekend had been delightful. It was our family’s first visit to my in-laws’ new place in Austin, where we spent most of Labor Day weekend enjoying their in-ground pool. After a lovely lunch downtown on Sunday, we returned to swim for a couple of hours. Our plans for the evening included grilling steaks before packing the car for our long drive home on Monday.
Around 5 p.m., Emma announced she was finished swimming and started to remove her floaty. Needing assistance, she asked a family member for help. I agreed to take it off since we were preparing to dry off and have dinner. That decision was my crucial error.
Mike and my father-in-law, who was holding our infant, were out of the pool, and my mother-in-law and I were just about to join them. In the midst of a casual conversation among the adults, no one noticed when Emma silently climbed onto the edge of the hot tub and slipped under the water. My heart races as I recall this moment; it was eerily quiet, and it happened so fast. We’ve debated endlessly how she could escape the watchful eyes of four adults, but she did. In an instant, I came terrifyingly close to losing my child.
Having read countless articles on drowning — how it doesn’t resemble the dramatic scenes in movies — I thought I was well-prepared to keep my daughters safe. Mike and I even discussed extra precautions just days before our trip, including keeping Emma’s floaty on and installing an additional lock on the door. We believed we had taken every measure possible to ensure her safety.
When Mike pulled Emma from the water, he immediately placed her on a patch of grass and began CPR. He performed chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth, but she wasn’t responding. I felt as though I was outside my own body, consumed by hysteria. My brother-in-law had to hold me back as I screamed, desperate to hold her. It was a nightmare.
Then, to our astonishment, Emma coughed up blood. Initially, we thought she was losing fluids, but soon she expelled more blood and water. That moment was the most incredible relief I’ve ever felt. Mike handed her to me, and he took over the 911 call. When the paramedics arrived, I pleaded with them to assure me that she would be okay. They couldn’t offer that comfort but assured me she was alive and in good hands.
As we rushed to Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin, I couldn’t believe the surreal nature of the situation. In the ER, we spent nearly four hours recounting the events and undergoing numerous tests. One doctor looked Mike in the eye and told him that he had saved our daughter’s life. We both broke down in tears.
Emma was moved to a room one level below ICU, and my infant daughter, Lily, was allowed to stay with us. Though the doctors reassured us that Emma would survive without severe brain damage, I didn’t fully breathe easy until she asked for a popsicle around midnight. She loves those treats, and her desire for the purple popsicle indicated she was back with us.
Twenty-four hours later, we were released to go home, grateful for our little miracle.
Lessons Learned
If I had foreseen this near-tragedy, I would have done everything in my power to prevent it. Despite our precautions, the incident taught us some invaluable lessons:
- More Adults Can Be a Double-Edged Sword: While it’s common to think that having more adults around increases safety, it can also lead to complacency. I let my guard down, assuming someone else was watching Emma when, in reality, we were all distracted.
- Floaties Are Not a Substitute for Swimming Skills: When wearing her floaty, Emma felt independent. We realized she may have forgotten she didn’t have it on. Our goal is to enroll both Emma and Lily in swim lessons to build their confidence and competence in the water.
- CPR Training is Essential: Mike’s ability to perform CPR was a lifesaver. I hadn’t been certified in several years, and I realized I needed to refresh my skills. I’m now signed up for a CPR class that also covers other lifesaving techniques.
- Kindness Matters: After our hospital stay, I took Emma to the dentist, where she played with other children. Their kindness during her recovery reminded me of the importance of being compassionate. You never know what struggles others may be facing.
- Faith Provides Strength: Throughout this ordeal, our faith played a crucial role. In our moments of despair, we prayed for comfort and guidance. This experience has deepened our spiritual connection, and we are grateful for the support we received.
For more information on swim safety and CPR training, check out March of Dimes, which offers excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination. Additionally, you can explore Make a Mom for more insights.
In summary, our family’s experience has served as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, preparedness, and kindness.