A near tragedy changes two lives for ever.

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Taylor

"Base, this is tower eight, I have an ADV, send backup and EMTs. Heading into the water."

I slammed my walkie-talkie down on the tower railing and quickly shimmied off my black athletic shorts, leaving me in just my red one-piece. As I reached for the shoulder strap to my can the walkie crackled to life. "Roger that, tower eight, active drowning victim at your location, sending backup and EMTs."

Kathy's voice was surreally calm as adrenaline continued to flood my system. Can in hand I took the first step then jumped down into the sand, eyes glued on the...