Calm Amidst Chaos: Sinking with My Toddler in the Rough Atlantic Ocean

Introduction to Our Kayaking Adventure

Kayaking has always been a cherished activity for our family. So, when my in-laws and older daughter decided to take the kayaks out for a spin, I felt confident enough to join them with my two-year-old daughter. Despite the ocean’s rough conditions, I trusted my paddling skills and her life jacket to keep us safe.

The Moment We Realized We Were Sinking

We were in a remote rental place up in Colón, Panama, on the Atlantic Ocean. Barely five minutes into our paddling adventure, I noticed the kayak becoming increasingly unstable. The waterline was rising alarmingly, signaling that we were sinking. Within moments, the kayak was so full of water that we were thrown out. In that split second, my instinct kicked in—I grabbed my daughter with one arm, holding her above water, while clutching the aluminum paddle with the other to prevent it from sinking.

Immediate Actions Taken to Ensure Safety

My immediate priority was to get her back onto the kayak. Despite the boat being nearly submerged, her small size made it possible. She was crying, understandably scared, and I kept talking to her, reassuring her that we were okay and trying to distract her with other comments. After two attempts, I managed to seat her on top of the kayak. With my daughter secure, I yelled as loudly as I could to catch my in-laws' attention. They noticed us and swiftly turned around. Those few minutes felt like an eternity, but soon enough, they reached us. They took my daughter and paddled back to shore while I swam, dragging the waterlogged kayak with one hand.

Rescue and Relief: How We Got Back to Shore

The ocean waves were relentless, and the kayak was too heavy with water for me to lift it onto the dock’s ladder. My father-in-law returned, having dropped everyone at shore, and my wife joined us in the water with flippers. Together, we held onto the kayak and kicked our way to shore, with my father-in-law towing us. Once on shore, I went straight to my daughter. She had stopped crying and was excitedly talking about her fall into the water. I hugged her tightly, told her I loved her, and acknowledged how scary it was, but also how proud I was that we made it through together.

Aftermath and Reflections on the Incident

Everyone was safe, but the kayak had a big hull breach that I hadn’t noticed before. This experience taught me valuable lessons about preparedness and the importance of staying calm under pressure. It reinforced the significance of life jackets and the need to always have a plan for emergencies.

Lessons Learned from Our Kayaking Mishap

The main lessons I learned were to always check your gear beforehand, remain calm in crisis situations, and mentally prepare for potential accidents. Running through possible scenarios in your head can help you react more effectively if something does go wrong.

Advice for Parents on Handling Emergencies

To other parents, my advice is simple: ensure you are physically strong enough to react and save your children if necessary. Also, make sure you are mentally and emotionally prepared to handle the stressful and chaotic situations that accidents may bring. Equip yourselves with the knowledge and tools to handle unexpected situations, and never underestimate the power of a calm and composed demeanor in comforting your child.

Conclusion: Strength and Calm Amidst Chaos

Reflecting on that day, I am filled with gratitude for our safety and the support of my family. It was a harrowing experience, but it strengthened my resolve as a parent and deepened the bond I share with my daughter. This experience reaffirmed my belief in the importance of being strong, quick to act, and steady in protecting our children.

Until next time,

Jose Feliú