Montreal teenagers Emma Bassermann and Zoe Meklensek-Ireland demonstrated extraordinary courage and lifesaving skills during a beach outing in Barbados. The duo, enjoying the sun and waves, heard distress calls from Belinda Stone, a woman from South London, England. She revealed her husband, Robert, was struggling to return to shore, too far out in the ocean.
“I can swim, but I wasn’t able to actually achieve anything. I wasn’t going anywhere,” shared an appreciative Robert with CTV News.
Competitive swimmer Bassermann, 14, and Meklensek-Ireland, 13, wasted no time. After bringing Belinda to safety, they realized time was of the essence to rescue Robert. Tying the boogie board strap to Meklensek-Ireland’s ankle, they navigated the challenging current, eventually reaching shallower waters where Robert could touch the sand.
The dramatic rescue unfolded at Barbados Beach Club in Christ Church, earning the teens well-deserved hero status. Both being skilled swimmers, their instincts guided them through the perilous situation.
“He was having a hard time breathing, so the first words we heard out of his mouth were when he touched the sand,” Bassermann recalled.
The girls’ quick thinking and swimming prowess earned them accolades from witnesses and local authorities. Bassermann, part of the Dorval Swim Club on a Barbados training camp, and Meklensek-Ireland, daughter of the club’s national development coach, proved their mettle when it mattered most.
“If we had been weaker swimmers, it could have been a lot more disastrous,” noted Bassermann, emphasizing the importance of their training.
Upon reaching the beach, the relieved Stones expressed profound gratitude. In interviews with local news outlets, they shared how the girls’ timely intervention prevented a potential tragedy. Messages of thanks flooded a YouTube interview showcasing their heroic tale.
Despite the intense situation, Bassermann remains focused on her Olympic dreams, training about 21 hours weekly. Her dedication to the sport and quick response to an emergency underscored the importance of preparedness in unexpected situations.
Local authorities acknowledged the teens’ bravery, with a politician presenting them with a token of appreciation. Belinda Stone believes a “good guardian angel” watched over them that day, perhaps a “Canadian one,” as her husband added. The Montreal teens’ selfless actions in Barbados serve as a reminder of the impact individuals can make in the face of adversity.