I suffocate! I cling to the boat! I can't do it! I can't breath! I panic! I'm out of my depth! There are sharks in the water, but they don't concern me. Truly they don't!
A black tip shark at close range - Blue lagoon, Rangiroa, Tuamotus Islands, French Polynesia
© Diane Macdonald - All Rights Reserved
I know they are not dangerous if they are not provoked. I won't provoke them. My concern is that I am out of my depth, although it does not bother me in the swimming pool. Yet here I am wearing a reef vest to keep me somewhat afloat! Yet still I seem to sink! I panic! I don't breathe! I suffocate!
Me with snorkel, mask and reef vest
© Jim Macdonald - All Rights Reserved
My husband reaches under me and keeps me afloat! I relax! “Breathe through your mouth! Breathe through your mouth! Breathe through your mouth!” I repeat in my head. My husband drifts away and dives under water. I float! I relax! I breathe! I float!
I never believed I would ever snorkel with sharks! It had been my intention to remain in the boat, but I did not wish to miss the excitement.
I don't suffocate! I breathe! I don't panic! I relax! I don't sink! I float!
I photograph the sharks!
Thanks to 