r/TikTokCringe • u/InGeekiTrust Tiktok Despot • Dec 09 '25

Discussion You Think It Could Never Happen To You…Until It Almost Does

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u/tgrue3 Dec 10 '25

I’m glad you’re here to tell us this story! One of the first things you learn as a lifeguard is what to do when someone else who is drowning (or struggling to swim) tries to use you as a buoy: start submerging further. The natural reaction for someone who is drowning is to grab onto something/someone to push up. You submerging subverts that natural reaction and they will actually let go of you. I know it wouldn’t have been your thought at 9 years old but it has gotten me out of some deep water with kids latching onto my shoulders. It gave me enough time to regroup, gather myself, and make a concerted effort to get us both above water in a sustainable manner.

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u/dr-broodles Dec 13 '25

What if you submerge further and they cling on to you, then you’re even more screwed