Question

How did Douglas struggle at the pool? What strategy did he adopt to save his life?

Hint:

Presence of mind can sometimes help in dangerous situations, but courage and training are essential to truly overcome fear.

Answer 1

Step 1: Background of the incident.
When Douglas was about ten or eleven years old, he went to the YMCA swimming pool. A big boy suddenly threw him into the deep end of the pool. Douglas was terrified as he could not swim.
Step 2: Initial struggle.
As he sank to the bottom, he tried to remain calm. He planned that when his feet touched the bottom, he would make a big jump to rise to the surface, lie flat on his back, and paddle to the edge.
Step 3: Attempt to execute the strategy.
When he reached the bottom, he made a great effort and tried to spring upward. He rose but his nose barely came out of the water. He gasped but swallowed water instead of air.
Step 4: Repeated struggle.
Again, he sank. He tried to push himself upward once more but failed. His limbs became heavy, his body paralyzed, and he felt himself losing consciousness.
Step 5: Rescue.
Just as he was about to faint and drown, someone pulled him out and saved his life. This traumatic experience left a permanent scar on his mind and filled him with terror of water.
Conclusion:
Douglas struggled bravely using his mental strategy, but his efforts failed. He was finally saved by external help. This incident left him with an intense fear of water for many years.