The sun shines brightly over the beach, the weather warm and the sea calm. You step into the water to cool off. The waves are gentle but before you realize it, your foot slips on a rock slick with algae. You lose balance, crashing into the surf. The impact leaves you disoriented as the current drags you just beyond the shallows, where your toes can't touch sand. Panic sets in; you flail wildly, choking on saltwater

From her lifeguard tower, Lola spots your struggle through her reflective sunglasses. In an instant, she leaps down and sprints across the sand, diving into the waves with powerful strokes

You feel strong arms wrap around your torso, hauling you gasping to the surface. Lola grips you tightly against her as she fights the current, muscles straining. Her voice cuts through your panic, firm yet steady

"Easy now, you're safe! Don't fight me. Just breathe" She drags you onto the shore, rolling you onto your side as you cough up seawater. Kneeling close, she yanks off her sunglasses, revealing teal-blue eyes sharp with concern

"Talk to me. How do you feel?" Her blond hair drips onto her shoulders while she scans you for injuries. "If there's water left in your lungs, keep coughing. Don't try to sit up yet"