“When she reached the man and the dog, the he immediately grabbed onto her. As did the dog, who put its paws around her neck. “I had this brief moment of panic where I felt like I was drowning,” she said. “I was like, ohmigosh, I can’t hold this much weight.””
Drowners will do that to an unwary rescuer every time...and take you down too. Proper training teaches you how not to get caught like that.
Heck of a story though. The lady’s a hero.
What is the training? I read that when that happens, take a deep breath and let yourself sink. The "drownee" will let go and look for something else that floats.