But in a lake where I used to life guard as a kid, each of the guards had to go in once or twice a week after someone. We didn't lose anyonce -- but it was close a few times.

There are very few that yelled, "Help!". Usually you saw some problems with things becoming overwelming for the person. Then, if you didn't blow the alarm (three whistles) and "launch", it would have been too late to get there in time.

Your post brought me back there...oh so many summers ago.