‘Adrenaline kicked in’: Montreal teens rescue couple from drowning in Barbados
Posted January 16, 2024 1:35 pm.
Last Updated January 16, 2024 6:53 pm.
Riding the waves on their boogie boards in Barbados on Jan. 3 were Emma Bassermann and Zoe Ireland-Meklensek –- little did these Montreal teens know that they’d become heroes — saving a couple from drowning in that ocean.
“When we got them out of the water, they were telling my mom how they were thinking about the will on the counter,” said Zoe, 13. “And thinking about all the memories they’ve spent with their kids.”
“Seeing like life flash before their eyes,” she added.
Both teens — strong swimmers — in love with the sport for as long as they can remember.
Emma — an Olympic hopeful.
Zoe’s father — her trainer.
The Dorval Swim Club was in Barbados for a 10-day swimming training camp, preparing for Olympic trials.
The girls — about to head out after having fun in the sun – and in the ocean — when they heard the cry for help from London, England resident, Belinda Stone.
“I really think that our adrenaline kicked in,” explained Emma, 14. “Everything that we learned came back to us in that moment.”
“I think that we weren’t necessarily thinking anything other than getting them back to safety.”
With no lifeguards on duty – the girls quickly plunged into action.
They managed to bring Belinda back to shore — her husband though, farther out to sea.
After an about six-minute swim -– the girls reached Robert Stone.
“I put the husband on the boogie board,” said Zoe. “I pulled him in by swimming parallel to shore.”
“I had a tether attached to my ankle.”
The undertow that day — the girls described as “pretty strong.”
That’s what they think contributed to the couple – both in their 60s – to be pulled into the ocean.
“I told my mom about what had happened, and they didn’t believe me at all,” explained Zoe.
“They were like, ‘Okay Zoe,’ because they were used to my tricks,” she added, laughing. “I prank them all the time.”
“Then later that day on the beach, my mom and I were on the beach walking and the couple came up to my mom and was thanking my mom like crazy.”
The couple told CityNews in an email that Zoe and Emma are very special to them now.
They recall how calm the teens were during the rescue –- calling them angels for saving their lives.
“One has to remember that they are only 13 and 14 years of age,” wrote Belinda. “I am incredulous with just the manner in which both girls just rescued us.”
Zoe’s father – proud that the girls remembered ocean safety – like swimming parallel to the shoreline if caught in a rip current – encouraging others to learn how to swim.
“She pulled a full-grown man my size to shore,” said Chuck Meklensek, Zoe’s dad and Performance Coach at the Dorval Swim Club. “Through a pretty strong current, which is just impressive.”
Back on shore in Barbados, the news of the rescue made a splash.
For their bravery, a local politician awarded the teens with a gift of appreciation.
“I’m very proud of that mindset that we’ve taken on,” said Emma. “To helping anyone in need.”
“I had my boogie board,” added Zoe. “I felt secure and Emma was by my side during the whole entire thing.”
“That was reassuring for me.”
