Dear editor,
On August 1, 2020, my family and I spent the day tubing down the Puntledge River in Courtenay. After being separated from the adults, my 19-year-old brother, eight-year-old cousin, and I (17) continued down the river with just our two tubes attached to each other.
We were having a great time until we drifted to the side of the river and hit a large fallen tree that was half above the water and half below, in the midst of very rapid water. My cousin and I were forcefully flipped over, and my brother was sent over the top. My cousin popped out on the other side, after getting thrown into very rapid and unsafe water. I was stuck under the water under the log with my foot stuck in the rope on the tube. The water was so rapid that I had almost no control. My brother quickly realized that I must be stuck under, so gripping onto the log, yelled “help my sister is stuck!“ to a group of people who are already properly on their way. One man in the group jumped in the water with my brother to look for me. This man took a big risk for me, and I will forever be thankful for him.
After about a minute and a half of being under the rapids, I finally forced my foot free and came up to see my sweet little cousin being helped on to another family’s tube, and my brother feeling massive relief to see me.
This group of approximately two adult men, four young girls, and one teenage boy helped us more than anyone could ask for. After catching our tubes for us, they attached ours to theirs.
I don’t remember everything so clearly, and I don’t know if I ever will, but this accident will always be a big part of my life. I’m so appreciative to the people (that I think are from Victoria) that helped me and my family through all of this so heroically. I am writing this letter to acknowledge these people, in hopes that they will read this. We will remember you forever. Thank you.
Zita Berger,
Edmonton