Canadian Teenagers Save British Couple from Riptide in Barbados

Emma Bassermann, an Olympic swim trials hopeful, and Zoe Ireland-Meklensek, both strong swimmers, rescued the couple who were pulled out to sea by strong currents.

• Canadian teenagers Zoe Ireland-Meklensek, 13, and Emma Bassermann, 14, saved a British couple caught in a riptide while vacationing in Barbados on January 3, 2024.
• Bassermann was in Barbados to prepare for Olympic swim trials, demonstrating the girls' strong swimming abilities.
• The couple, Belinda and Robert Stone, were both in their 60s and considered themselves good swimmers, but were pulled out to sea by the strong currents.
• The girls first rescued Belinda, then returned to the water to save Robert, who was further out and struggling to swim.
• The girls have received local recognition for their efforts, including a gift of appreciation from a local politician.

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