Hello, I am Melanie Brindley, widow of Ken Brindley, the man who tried to save Larry on that tragic day. I was not at the beach at the time of the drownings and I am not sure if I could have stopped my husband from going in to help. However, we did obey the red flags that day and kept our family out of the water all day. I believe if Ken had known how to swim out of a current perhaps he would not have drown.
Since that summer, my children, now 7 and 10, and I have returned to beaches and we are constantly aware of the flag system. I have taught my children about the dangers of rip currents and how to escape. Whenever asked about my husband's death, I always follow with a rip current safety speech. While it doens't ease my pain, it helps to see the shocked look on someone's face and hopefully they will be more aware of the dangers of the water when they vacation on a beach one day. I wish to spare the pain of someone in a hospital waiting room. Please read the warnings, obey the signs, follow your instincts even on the yellow flag days it can be too rough and change in a minute....teach your children and swim at beaches with life guards.
In His Hands, Melanie Brindley, July 6, 2007 4600 Bay Hill Drive Conway AR 72034