#TheDeathRipDay

Dee Why, 14.11.2017

The sun was shining and the sky was blue. "Beach, beach, beach!" Rachel text me. She picked me up and we headed to Dee Why beach.
As usual we put the world to rights when discussing politics and the problems of the world.

After a while we thought we would dip our feet in the sea to cool off but there were dangerous currents signs. "We're not going in far, it'll be alright!"

I began diving through the waves until I realised I was being pulled back deeper and deeper!
"Rachel!!" I shrieked! "I'm being pulled back! Help! Help!"
"Jump with the waves!"
Each time a wave came, I tried to body surf it but I just got pulled back to where I began. In my head I tried to recall my Dad's advice. Stay calm and let the tide take you round. I did neither of those things!
"Rachel!!! I'm going to die!! Help me!"
My fuss turned the heads of a few beach goers who saw the commotion and then returned to sun bathing. I wondered what the papers would say the next day. 'Another Brit dies by ignoring beach signs!" I had become victim to my English ignorance despite the numerous conversations I'd had with my dad, where we said how stupid those people are.

Still panicking, I looked around, there was a surfer not too far from me who looked like he was debating saving me or letting me being taken into the sea! Or maybe he was just amused by the slight over reaction to being waist deep in powerful waves.

"Can you reach the floor?" Rachel asked.
I managed to dig my feet into the sand long enough for my panicking to ease off!
"Walk through the waves!" She shouted to me.
"Come here!!" I called!
"No, I think it's best if you come to me!" She replied not wanting to drown herself. (Selfish)
Each step I took used every ounce of energy I had. I debated letting the water take control and carry me out to my deserved fate, a lesson for children in Australia to always pay attention to signage!

But no! I have too much to live for! Another step. The waves pulled at my ankles but I dug myself in the sand. Another step. Soon I was able to jump over a few incoming waves and take more steps. Closer to the shore Rachel joined me and held my hand -the heroine she is! Together we jumped and waded through the waves until we were finally free from its monstrous grip!

Once we returned to the beach, full of shame and embarrassment, Rachel presented me with a peanut butter sandwich. We sat quietly and munched away as our heart rates returned to normal and felt slightly disappointed that we ruined our chance to be rescued by a hot Australian lifeguard!

#Factor50

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