Robert Kantor and his 15-year old son Frank credit their persistence and their faith for their survival. They were in the Gulf of Mexico on Monday night riding waves when a strong rip current swept them out to sea.
Kantor admits, at first, things looked pretty bleak. “My thoughts went south for about thirty seconds,” said Kantor. “And I had to change the channel quickly and then I saw him and my family … it’s all about what your thoughts are.”
Kantor, who’s spent nearly three decades in the Tampa Bay area, is no stranger to the water, and no stranger to the warnings about rip currents. He knew exactly what to do. Swim parallel to the shore until the current releases you, then safely swim to shore. Don’t panic. Don’t wear yourself out. But Kantor explains, his efforts failed. I just had surgery on my shoulder about six weeks ago.” Robert Kantor describes his arms feeling like cement blocks. So he looked to his son for help. “Luckily for him he’s a great swimmer and he has a good kick. If it wasn’t for him, I might not be here today.”
Frank Kantor is pretty matter of fact about the whole ordeal. He does admit feeling better when the two had a plan in place. “I was just nervous in general at first,” said the younger Kantor. “But once we had a plan we were making progress eventually. “
While the father and son were making slow and steady progress, a wife and mother on shore was seeking help. Clearwater Fire Rescue first responders arrived and were able to help the two to shore.
Frank Kantor says this was a wake up all for him, and he hopes to educate others about the dangers of rip currents. He believes if a strong current could drag him out, it could easily happen to someone else. “I mean this is deadly. I’m not an obese guy. I’m a decent swimmer. Yet, it was real close for me.”