God-sent angel: Mr. Joe Villagomez

I would like to take just a minute to offer a reminder to everyone to use good sense when playing at our beaches; a split second can lead to tragedy.

I spent last Sunday morning at Obyan beach fishing and just playing in the water. The waves were large that day and a lot of fun to fool around in. I put my fishing pole down and walked out into the water, hiking boots on and, of course, no life jacket. After all, I can swim and I am just walking around out there.

After some time of walking around close to the reef, I was sucked out by a large wave, which at first was fun but turned terrifying in a flash. I could no longer touch the sea floor as the wave had picked me up and carried me back out a break in the reef.

As I tried to swim back, I found I could not fight the current. Remembering what a couple divers I know told me once, I tried to swim along the reef hoping to get back. Nothing I did worked and I quickly exhausted myself and started to panic. As I watched the beach get farther and farther away, I resorted to floating, just trying to catch my breath.

I’m not sure how the next series of events happened. I’m sure God had something to do with it as my mother always told me that the good Lord protects fools and children. I definitely qualify as the fool! First, I happened to find a rock or something out there that my boot caught on. I was able to stand on it only for a moment, long enough to get some air and see a man’s head pop out of the water near me. I hollered for help, he acknowledged me and quickly swam to me.

What I remember next is this man placed his arm around my neck and used himself to hold my head out of the water. Very cool and calm, and swimming with great skill, he instructed me to remain calm, and to not try to help him. He managed to get me back inside and to a place where I could easily stand again. He made sure I was all right; we exchanged names and I thanked him so much for being there for me and then, in true modest fashion, he was gone.

This man’s name is Mr. Joe Villagomez, and without intending to embarrass you, I would like to end this letter by publicly thanking you and expressing my gratitude once again for your assistance, skills and rescue capabilities. Without you, that could have ended in tragedy. I have a newfound respect for the dangers that these waters hold. It is because of you, Joe, that I am here today to share the experience with others and hopefully help others from making the same mistake. Thank you again and God bless.