It was five minutes into lunch and the canoe group still wasn't back. No big deal, we started without them. Then it was 10 minutes into lunch and so one of the lifeguards went to check on them. Then it was 15 minutes into lunch and he wasn't back either, so Program Director S went to check on everyone. Then it was 20 minutes into lunch and the other lifeguard went to look for them. 25 minutes into lunch, I left and went to see what was going on.
When I got to the lake, I couldn't see anyone, so I got into a kayak and headed out to see if I could find them. It was a little bit windy, but there weren't whitecaps on the lake, and the waves didn't seem bad.... until I got about 40 feet from shore, at which point the lake turned into a wave pool and I stopped paddling because I was being pushed across the lake. I am a pretty strong kayaker, but I got nervous as I realized there was no way I was going to be able to turn around and paddle back to shore.
I could see the camp pontoon across the lake, rescuing the canoers I assumed, so I headed towards them. When I approached the pontoon, I could see all of the campers and staff safely inside, 3 kayaks stacked on top and dragging 2 canoes on either side. I climbed aboard and dragged my kayak on top as well and we all headed to shore. 8 campers, 3 lifeguards, 2 counselors, the camp director and my dad (who was waiting on shore)- the ratio of campers to staff was pretty excellent.
One last adventure before the end of the summer. It ended safely and life is good.
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