Swimming to the Rescue

Lake swimming always carries its own chills of excitement but today it also offered opportunity for a rescue mission. One of the RIB’s mooring ropes had snapped and as we walked into the water we could see it forlornly bumping itself against the reeds further along the shore. We waded it back to the pontoon and then had to find some utensils to bail it out as it was full to the brim with water. The petrol tank had floated out of its locker and was bobbing around like a portly duck in a paddling pool.
A dog bowl, buckets, a bailer, splash and goodwill were utilised and as the weight receded, the Rib regained its normal bounce to the ounce. Meanwhile the hunt was on for the keys to the boathouse. These of course were safely locked away themselves with a series of keys and security locks. There was a sharp wrestle with the final padlock and at last the electronic door to the boat house rolled open and we could see the row of power boat keys hanging with their cork balls ready to go. Sadly, although the motor fired it died again straight away, which left plan B.  Towing it to the mooring with the tiny rowing boat against a stiff wind and lusty waves would have had Grace Darling cheering and tying it to a submerged chain was a particularly damp experience. However, odds overcome, and with a great feeling of achievement, we set our faces for home and got back in the rowing boat – that promptly turned turtle.   
Hot chocolate was the only remedy and as we had been swimming twice, we had double cups.