Dear Editor,
My heartfelt, sincere gratitude to the group of people who came to the assistance of my ten year old grandson, Chase, saving him from potentially drowning on Tuesday, July 22 off the pier.
I kept my eyes on him while he was swimming with his friend in the designated beach swimming area and watched him go up the steps to the pier. Within five minutes I walked over to the pier to check on them and my grandson thought it would be fun to drop a cardboard box in the water off the north side of the pier and jump in.
The wind quickly pushed him quite a distance away, too far for him to swim back. Three men saw what happened and swam out to him, one man turned around and swam back as he realized the distance was too much for him. Two young men reached Chase and held on to him as the box began to sink.
Fortunately a group of people in a motor boat saw the situation and provided assistance by picking them up and bringing them all back to the pier safe and sound.
I was so distressed that all I could do was feebly shake their hands and mumble a thank you, as well as to those on the boat. However, I truly thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for what you did, as I believe that you saved my grandson's life.
Every summer when Chase visits me from Coquitlam, B.C., he takes swimming lessons but as a ten year old he did not possess the strength to swim back to the pier against the strong wind.
Unfortunately, the box was left on the pier by a large group of teenagers who were there earlier using the boxes as makeshift boats. I'm glad you had fun, however it was a big mistake not to take all the boxes when you left.
Life is short and very precious. I believe Chase learned a valuable lesson that day and I'm very grateful for all the good Samaritans that came to his rescue!
Patricia Granik,
Sylvan Lake