Psychic Lessons from a Riptide

Triple Threat Thursday newsletter

Hampton Beach

1 - Caught in a Riptide

Manuel and I parked at the beach and went straight into the water. We were bobbing in the waves, talking about how long it would take to swim to Peru. 

“I can’t believe I can’t touch right here,” I said.

I tuned into my body and felt water at my feet flowing in opposite direction as the waves. I looked back at the beach. It was way further than it should be. 

“Hey Manuel, I’m going back.”

I started swimming for the beach but I didn’t get anywhere. Now Manuel is further out than me. 

“Hey, Manuel, come back!”

No response. I glanced back as I was swimming for the beach. I can’t see Manuel because the rollers are so big. I don’t know if he knows the situation and I don’t know how good of a swimmer he is. All I know is that he’s further out — swept out to sea. 

Do I go back? No. I will save myself and then see where he’s at. Secure your mask before helping others, I hear the plane lady say.

I swam for the beach. Swimming hard for one minute would move me one yard closer. 

I realized that this might be a very bad situation.

It’s low tide when rip currents are most powerful. It felt like I was in a movie.  

There’s two other people on the beach within earshot. They are walking away. This is it. 

“Hey! Hey! Help!” 

They stare at me. I’m only 20 - 25 yards from the break and it doesn’t look like I’m drowning. But I’m not the only one out here. I yelled “help” like five more times and waved one arm.  

I considered waving both arms and screaming like a crazy person but I didn’t want to scare them away. 

I put my head down and swam hard to show them how hard it is to move closer to the beach. 

Finally, I see people running around on the beach. 

Am I going to die? No, I could float out here for as long as it takes someone to come out and get me. 

Is Manuel going to die?

That thought was an equally terrifying thought because we share an apartment and I would have to pay the entire rent. That’s a joke — it’s not funny. 

My body tensed and I started swimming ultra hard. Within seconds, I felt exhaustion. 

I relaxed my body and my head went under. I swam lightly as if I was enjoying it. 

When I looked up there was a young woman, in the water, as far as she could safely get, about waist deep. She’s ushering me in, reaching out her arm. Suddenly it got a lot easier.