Swimming Accident Survivor Says Tough Training Saved His Life
The veteran player and coach told the news provider he lost part of his scalp and was bleeding profusely.
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January 8, 2010
Rugby league training during the 1970s may have saved Laurie Freier when he was hit by a freak wave and repeatedly smashed against the rocks when he recently swam near the Currumbin Beach Vikings surf club in Australia, according to GoldCoast.com.
The veteran player and coach told the news provider he lost part of his scalp and was bleeding profusely, but he made sure he cushioned his head against the blows and kept it away from the rocks, which allowed him to stay conscious until help arrived.
"I come from a different school, a little bit tough and a little bit harder," he said, quoted by the website, adding that "you go and get your 20 stitches and go back on again. I've trained at an elite level pretty much my whole life."
Statistics suggest that more than 3,500 Americans died in drowning accidents in 2005. It may therefore be a good idea to keep in mind some tips that can increase safety during water-related recreational activities.
According to the CDC, it is important to always swim with a buddy and select sites that have lifeguards whenever possible. In addition, swimmers and surfers should know the local weather forecast and look for posted signs that warn of dangerous conditions such as rip tides or high waves.
Finally, one should avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming, surfing, boating or water skiing.
Survivors of water-related accidents can access resources that can help them thrive through the Trauma Resource Institute.
Rugby league training during the 1970s may have saved Laurie Freier when he was hit by a freak wave and repeatedly smashed against the rocks when he recently swam near the Currumbin Beach Vikings surf club in Australia, according to GoldCoast.com.
The veteran player and coach told the news provider he lost part of his scalp and was bleeding profusely, but he made sure he cushioned his head against the blows and kept it away from the rocks, which allowed him to stay conscious until help arrived.
"I come from a different school, a little bit tough and a little bit harder," he said, quoted by the website, adding that "you go and get your 20 stitches and go back on again. I've trained at an elite level pretty much my whole life."
Statistics suggest that more than 3,500 Americans died in drowning accidents in 2005. It may therefore be a good idea to keep in mind some tips that can increase safety during water-related recreational activities.
According to the CDC, it is important to always swim with a buddy and select sites that have lifeguards whenever possible. In addition, swimmers and surfers should know the local weather forecast and look for posted signs that warn of dangerous conditions such as rip tides or high waves.
Finally, one should avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming, surfing, boating or water skiing.
Survivors of water-related accidents can access resources that can help them thrive through the Trauma Resource Institute.
