Don't Just Stand There... Someone Is Drowning!
Monday, July 13, 2026
“Throw out the lifeline, throw out the lifeline, someone is sinking today.” – Throw Out the Lifeline (1884) by Edward Smith Ufford
While I was in college I worked for two summers as a lifeguard at a day camp. I enjoyed the job, teaching swimming lessons and getting to know the kids. I also picked up some extra money by working a few weekends for company picnics and private parties.
And yes, I even saved at least one person from drowning.
In order to qualify for the job, I had to pass an Advanced Lifesaving course offered by the American Red Cross. It involved some “book learning” as well as some actual in-the-pool training.
One of the things I remember from the class is the mantra “Reach, throw, row, go”. This is the order a trained lifeguard is to follow when it comes to saving a person in distress.
First, you try to reach them from the safety of land. If that fails, you throw a life-preserver or other flotation device. If neither of these are successful and a boat or a raft is available, you row to the person who is struggling. Only as a final resort do you “Go” because far too often, the drowning person panics and can take you under with them.
In today’s quote, Edward Smith Ufford – who wrote this hymn after watching a lifesaving drill at Point Allerton near Boston – makes the point that all around us, someone is in peril of “drowning” each and every day. They may not be in a pool or in the ocean. On the contrary, they may simply be overwhelmed with life and waves of despair are sweeping over them. Without a helping hand, they are in danger of going under physically, mentally, emotionally, and/or spiritually for the third and final time.
As Christians, we are called to offer that helping hand to those around us, in essence to be the hands and feet of Jesus Himself. And so, the next time you see a friend or a stranger, take a good, long look at them and really “see” them, perhaps for the first time. Chances are they are struggling with something just below the surface that they are trying their best to mask and hide from the outside world.
Take the time to minister to those in need… which, in reality, is everyone you encounter.
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (BSB)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
