[immiketoo]

I was taking pictures at Starved Rock yesterday when I slipped on the wet sandstone and fell into a lagoon. I managed to keep my camera dry for about a minute until my backpack with all my other camera gear filled with water and started to drag me down. The water was over my head so I couldn't stand. I was able to flip over on my back and managed to stay afloat, but at the expense of my camera.

I was able to stay afloat and shout for help until a guy who was with his family jumped in and pulled me to shallow water. Once I got out I opened my backpack and dumped the water out of it. Everything was waterlogged. All in all, a Canon 50D, two L series lenses, flash, my CF cards and all the little stuff you keep in a camera bag was ruined. And you know what? I don't care because I am here to talk about it

It was a hell of a day and I ended up in a pair of 2XL swim trunks and a hoodie for the drive home! Thank God for that guy and his family.

[c0nstant]

holy shit dude. i'm glad you're alright! sucks to hear about your gear, though :[

[JohnL135I]

F...... the gear, it can be replaced. You, however cannot. Glad your ok.

[BMW F22]

Glad you're okay man. You were fortunate that the guy was there. I almost drowned once and was saved by my dad. It was scary as hell. I owe the man my life!!

Originally Posted by JohnL135I

F...... the gear, it can be replaced. You, however cannot. Glad your ok.

I was thinking the same thing when I read the thread title. I was like "who gives a shit, as long as you're here talking about it then that's all that matters."

[immiketoo]

Thanks guys. I'll tell you it was a moment that gave me a great deal of perspective about a lot of things. All the petty day to day bullshit doesn't mean much at all. I am VERY fortunate that guy was there. I'm really pissed that I didn't have the presence of mind to get his name and number. I was so freaked out that after I thanked him profusely, I just left so I didn't get hypothermia. I hope I run in to him again one day.

[M_Six]

Zoiks. Glad you're around to dry out the gear. Best of luck with that. Worst case, buy new stuff. Get some stickier shoes while you're at it.

[Seminole]

Glad you're ok. The camera stuff can be replaced. I take it from the story you don't know how to swim?

[boymonkey]

Probably things happened too quickly and he got dragged down before he could react. Good job calling out for help.

[Chewy734]

Oh wow, glad you're ok buddy!

[immiketoo]

You guys are mostly right. I am not a strong swimmer. I can stay afloat, and navigate a pool if I have to, but with upwards of 50 lbs including water, the fact that the water was cold(melted snow) and that it was damn near instantaneous, I panicked. I didn't have the presence of mind to get out of the pack cause both straps were around my shoulders, due to the weight. There was no place to throw anything other than in the water, and at first I was concerned about my gear, so I held on to the camera.

Once I was on my back, I realized the foam in the pack itself was keeping me up, so then I calmed down and started calling for help. Trust me, I have already looked into swimming lessons and I have evaluated my mind set. I have also looked into stickier shoes! I consider myself a formidable person in emergency situations, and I have reacted properly in the face of guns pointed at me, countless fights and other situations, but this experience exposed a weakness in my abilities and it is humbling. My GF was shocked at how good my mood was considering my gear. I told her I was just happy to be here to have a choice whether to complain or not!

[lambtron]

Damn dude, glad you're ok! And I'd have to agree with:

"I told her I was just happy to be here to have a choice whether to complain or not!"

[bosstones]

Wow! Glad to hear you're okay!

Regarding the CF cards, are you sure they're ruined? They may just need to dry out. I know that I've washed some of my USB sticks/drives (the uber tiny/small ones) before and they've always been fine after they were dry.

Which area of Starved Rock was this? Maybe its the same area where I almost fell in a couple years ago. There's some nice scenery there, though.

[immiketoo]

Originally Posted by bosstones

Wow! Glad to hear you're okay!

Regarding the CF cards, are you sure they're ruined? They may just need to dry out. I know that I've washed some of my USB sticks/drives (the uber tiny/small ones) before and they've always been fine after they were dry.

Which area of Starved Rock was this? Maybe its the same area where I almost fell in a couple years ago. There's some nice scenery there, though.

Actually, you are right! I was able to save all of my pictures. Here are some of them... The last one is the top of the "waterslide" that I slipped on.

[PNF]

wow... glad you're ok...

but damn, thats lucky that someone was there and could save you.

Well, I'm sure your life is worth more than a couple L glasses.

Think of it this way, it is time for you to upgrade to 5D2 now.

(Canon rebate with 5D2 + any lenses and double the rebate).

i.e You can get a 5D2 with 24-70 for about total of only $3500 roughly!! (something like that).

[BillLee]

show this thread to Canon and maybe they'll give you discounts?

[Hawkeye]

Why would he get discounts from Canon, they can't use this for PR in any way. Guess it's good you're alive and all. Sucks that such nice equipment was ruined though!

[immiketoo]

Thanks guys. I was able to keep/retrieve all my gear, even the lens caps! Everything was soaked though including my 580 EX flash. I am considering upgrading to the 5D2. I have a warranty on the body that should cover that cost, but the lenses and all my other stuff is not covered. I sent everything off to be looked at and I hope the lenses can be repaired. Either way, I will be looking at some new stuff once I figure out what the deal is. I was even able to salvage my pack once it dried out!

[UdubBadger]

wow dude, just saw this... good thing you're ok. Cameras are just stuff, sucks though. You didnt have shooters insurance I'm guessing but hey in the end...

your life > few grand in gear