Childhood Swimming Experience

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Questions and Answers

What was the author's initial reaction when they landed at the bottom of the pool?

They were frightened but not yet panicked. (correct)

They immediately tried to scream for help.

They lost consciousness due to lack of oxygen.

They were completely calm and collected.

Why did the author's jump from the bottom of the pool not work as planned?

They didn't have enough strength to propel themselves upwards.

They were carrying too much weight from their clothes.

They were holding their breath, which made them buoyant.

The water pressure was too great, making it difficult to move upwards. (correct)

What was the author's main concern when they were underwater?

Their appearance, as they could see their reflection in the pool.

The water's yellow tinge, which they found disturbing.

Getting air and surviving the ordeal. (correct)

The embarrassment of being seen struggling in the pool.

How did the author feel when they realized they were not making progress towards the surface?

Panicked, as they felt their air supply dwindling. Signup and view all the answers

What was the author's strategy for getting out of the pool?

To jump from the bottom of the pool and swim to the edge. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the author's legs when they tried to kick upwards?

They hung as dead weights, paralysed and rigid. Signup and view all the answers

What did the author experience as they went back down to the bottom of the pool?

Sheer, stark terror, as they felt they were losing control. Signup and view all the answers

What was the author's state of mind when they were underwater for the second time?

Panicked, as they felt they were running out of air. Signup and view all the answers

Where did the narrator want to learn how to swim?

The Y.M.C.A. pool Signup and view all the answers

What was the narrator's initial fear at the Y.M.C.A. pool?

Showing his skinny legs Signup and view all the answers

What event from the narrator's past triggered his aversion to water?

A trip to the beach in California with his father Signup and view all the answers

Why did the narrator sit on the side of the pool instead of getting in?

He was timid about going in alone Signup and view all the answers

How old was the big boy who tossed the narrator into the deep end?

Eighteen years old Signup and view all the answers

What was the condition of the pool when the narrator arrived?

It was quiet and empty Signup and view all the answers

Why did the narrator's mother warn him against the Yakima River?

It was treacherous Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator use to help him learn how to swim?

Water wings Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning to Swim

The narrator decided to learn to swim at the age of 10 or 11 at the Y.M.C.A. pool in Yakima, which was considered safe with a gradual depth increase from 2-9 feet.
The narrator's mother had warned against swimming in the Yakima River due to its treacherous nature and frequent drownings.

Past Trauma

The narrator had a traumatic experience with water at the age of 3 or 4 when their father took them to the beach in California and they were knocked down by waves, feeling buried and frightened.

The Incident

The narrator went to the pool alone and was approached by an older boy who tossed them into the deep end, causing them to land in a sitting position and swallow water.
The narrator panicked and tried to jump up from the bottom of the pool but came up slowly, feeling suffocated and unable to yell.
The narrator flailed and struck at the water, trying to stay afloat, but eventually sank back down to the bottom of the pool.
The narrator experienced sheer terror, feeling paralyzed and unable to control their fear.

Reflection

The incident revived the narrator's childhood fears and unpleasant memories of their past traumatic experience with water.
The narrator learned to gather confidence and overcome their fear through repeated attempts at swimming.

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Description

Recalling a childhood experience of learning to swim at the Y.M.C.A. pool and past trauma associated with water. The narrator's mother warned against swimming in the Yakima River due to its treacherous nature.