I totally agree. At least, that is what I've always told myself. It is interesting that I was just a girl when the incident with the boat occurred, and thus less mature. I was a bit older when I hauled my ex to safety- and in that case, I both laughed and responded appropriately- an improvement at least. But he never quite looked at me the same way, afterwards. :P
Yeah. And the worst part of it is that he got himself into that quandary because his ego would not permit him to admit that I had challenged him to a task beyond his capacity to perform.
I grew up near the water. As such, I am an extremely proficient swimmer. I had asked him several times whether he was sure he could swim the distance I proposed. He wouldn't admit that he couldn't, so we both paid the price.
The drowing episode really didn't feel like horror, so much as pure hilarity. (I swear you would understand if you had been privy to all that sputtering and gobbling). And it isn't as though barge-girl would have died, or anything.
I've had my muster tested as an adult, and I have always reacted quickly. I go numb, and act with as sense of pragmatic urgency that convinces me that I may well have missed my calling as an E.R. physician. :P
I been there. I had a friend who jumped into a pool when were were teens and started thrashing around screaming for help. I was half amused cause it looked funny and I thought he was kidding for about 10 seconds. I went and got him out and he looked kinda thrilled but was greatful saying how I saved his life. I learned he really can't swim. I don't know if I would find it anymore amusing if he was traumatized for life over it, but when brought up, we'd laugh about it.