The other day I was participating in a deep water aerobics class, something I do most mornings. We were getting close to the end of the class and completing a set of “Suntan/Superman” which requires us to lie on our backs, drop our legs down and move onto our stomachs, arms out to our sides. I usually concentrate on this, one of my favorite exercises, focusing on my form to get the maximum benefit.
What caused me to look up I’ll never know but I did and there about four or five feet in front of me was Fran, in the Superman position with her face in the water, not moving…just floating. I moved quickly toward her and in seconds lifted her head out of the water… she was unconscious. I began moving both of us by kicking strongly and using my arms to keep her head out of the water.
Several of the swimmers swam over and helped me move Fran toward the edge of the pool. Others jumped out to receive her at the other end. Two were nurses who took her pulse and helped her expel a little water that had been ingested. There was a pulse so they did not perform CPR. They tapped her face, called her name and she opened her eyes.
My eighty-five year old friend asked, “What happened?Where’s my hat?” (We elderchicks are very fond of our hats!) The para-medics completed the examination. Fran opted not to go to the ER but rather to visit her own doctor for tests.
She attributed her “passing out” to low blood suger. She had not eaten before the class. The nurses and I drove Fran home where she ate a healthy breakfast. Fran will be back in the pool as soon as she receives clearance from her physician. As for me, “Suntan/ Superman” will never be quite the same …and it certainly is no longer my favorite exercise!
ElderChicks 
Georgia–As a former nurse, I want to tell you that you were a “superwoman” to be so observant and to respond so quickly. Good for you; your actions were life-saving for your aqua friend!
Hi Lois, I was amazed how the nurses took over…they were so calm and efficient. I stopped at Fran’s home today. She was checked out by her doctor and has full clearance to return to the pool on Monday. We are all so happy! Georgia
Georgia, please don’t stop doing that formerly favorite exercise! Your pool-mates may need you again. I’m very happy for Fran and for you to have had the opportunity to do something really heroic with such a great outcome.
When we were kids at camp, we were never allowed to swim without a buddy. I remember the counselor blowing a whistle when you least expected it and shouting “Buddies!” If you didn’t immediately grab the hand of your assigned buddy and raise it, out you both went from the pool. Kids need to be forced to get into this often life-saving habit.
Now we are grown and don’t need whistling counselors to guarantee our pool safety. We need to guarantee our own. How different the outcome would have been if Fran had decided to go swimming alone!
Actually, changes at the pool have been instituted…a “Buddy” system for all deep water classes, installation of a poolside phone and you won’t believe this one, lifeguards are not permitted to wear sweatshirts and sneakers! As the kids say, “Duh!”