A young boy named Walter Keeler, known as a “water baby,” utilized the “float to live” technique to save himself after a boat accidentally left him while snorkeling in Turkey. Walter, aged nine at the time, applied his lifeguard skills to stay safe as the boat drifted away, leaving him and others stranded in the sea.
Despite his parents’ frantic calls for the boat to return, Walter remained calm and relied on his lifeguard training acquired at Stoke Mandeville Stadium. Since October 2020, Walter had been attending advanced swimming classes twice a week, learning stroke techniques and essential water safety skills from the RLSS UK’s Rookie Lifeguard program.
Reflecting on the incident that occurred last August, now ten-year-old Walter shared his experience to raise awareness for the Save Lives for Sam water safety campaign. He described how he remembered his training, flipped onto his back, and floated to conserve energy during the ordeal.
Walter detailed the frightening moment when the boat departed, leaving him in choppy waters off the coast of Kemer. His parents, Elaine and Charles, expressed their panic as they watched Walter bobbing in the sea, with his father feeling helpless due to the distance between them.
Eventually, the boat returned, and Walter safely boarded, receiving a warm hug from his relieved mother. His parents emphasized the importance of water safety education, praising Walter’s ability to remain composed and self-rescue during a potentially dangerous situation.
Walter’s bravery and quick thinking were acknowledged with a bravery certificate from RLSS UK, highlighting the significance of learning essential water safety skills at a young age. The Head of Water Safety and Education at RLSS UK commended Walter’s actions, emphasizing the importance of teaching children not only how to swim but also how to handle water emergencies effectively.
The key takeaway from Walter’s experience is the crucial skill of floating for self-rescue, highlighted as a vital component of the Water Safety Code. RLSS UK encourages individuals to practice floating techniques before entering water, stressing the importance of staying calm and calling for help if needed in emergency situations.