‘I was praying’
Sydney woman grateful to rescuers at Dominion beach
A Sydney woman says there will be 34 candles on her birthday cake today, thanks to the Dominion Volunteer Fire Department and others who rescued her at Dominion beach Monday night.
“If it wasn’t for those who called for help, those who rescued me and all the people on the beach praying for me, you’d be reading about me in the Cape Breton Post for another reason today,” said Amanda Slaunwhite.
Slaunwhite, originally of Dominion, said she was at the beach Monday evening with friends when she noticed people jumping off a lobster boat in the distance. She thought that with the help of a small body board she could swim out to it, jump off the boat and swim back.
“The current was pushing me out, which I thought was great. “
However then Slaunwhite realized the boat was farther than she thought, got thirsty and decided to turn back. She was then distressed to discover she couldn’t swim against the strength of the current. She said she battled the current anywhere for more than 30 minutes.
“The wind was splashing waves in my face and I was struggling to hold onto the body board while kicking my feet,” she said.
“I then realized I was in danger. I was praying I’d see my mom and my dad again, my parent’s dog and my friend Justin, who was on the beach waiting for me. I thought about my life and what it would be like for my life to be over. “
Meanwhile, Slaunwhite said the current was pushing her sideways and farther out, her arms were bruised from holding the body board so tight, and exhaustion was taking over.
“I was so far back, by the Lingan power plant.”
Jason Turnbull, a lieutenant with the Dominion fire department, said that at about 7:10 p.m. they were at the fire hall discussing upcoming Seaside Daze when a call came in of a swimmer in distress.
“A bunch of us got up and started to go out, some were grabbing gear.”
He said a couple of them jumped in the one of the fire trucks in shorts and T-shirts.
Turnbull said the beach was packed. Running to shore they could see Slaunwhite was an incredible distance out.
He said someone was calling for a boat, however he knew they couldn’t wait.
“We’re trained for ice and water rescue.”
Turnbull and Dave MacLeod, Dominion assistant deputy fire chief, put on water rescue suits. Turnbull reached Slaunwhite first.
“I was surprised how far out she was. When you get out there and turn around, it’s crazy to see how far it actually is.”
Turnbull estimated she was 2,000 feet from shore.
“We had a 1500-foot and went quite a bit beyond it.”
He said Slaunwhite was getting tired trying to battle the wind and current.
“We turned around, I got her to grab a hold of my feet and we worked our way back in.”
Turnbull said he was relaxed and worked to keep Slaunwhite from panicking. He knew boats were on the way.
“That’s what we’re trained for, to relax and trust the things that are around.”
Turnbull said he made it to the rope and in the meantime MacLeod was out as far as the rope would allow, waiting.
“I hold her, Dave holds me, and all the guys on the shore pull us in. “
He said members of the Cape Breton Regional Police Service helped and an officer was even in the water with them.
Turnbull said he was getting thanks all day Tuesday, but stresses it was a team effort.
”I’m the one who swam all the way out but it was the whole fire department and others who assisted — we worked together as a team. “
He said coming out of the water, there was a lot of applause.
“The beach was packed there were cars everywhere, lined up like a concert, that many people.” Turnbull said this is simply what fire departments do.
“This is why we train, to help others.”
He said Slaunwhite was grateful.
“She said ‘Thanks so much’ and applauded everyone.”
MacLeod said the New Waterford, Glace Bay and Albert Bridge fire departments all responded with boats.
I don’t know how many were onshore pulling the rope in. It was a real team effort,” he said.
“That’s what mutual aid is all about, we couldn’t do it without everyone.”
Slaunwhite said she’s appreciative to everyone who helped. She collapsed on the shore and was assisted by EHS.
“Some great citizen of Dominion even gave me a towel to cover up.”
She said she wouldn’t be here today without those who took part.
“I hope somehow they can get some medals for what they did.”
Slaunwhite said about 17 years ago she and a friend were rescued while swimming in River Ryan. She said the story was in the Cape Breton Post and her friend was mentioned but she was named as “an unknown girl from Dominion.”