When I was very young, maybe kindergarten, I was given permission to walk outside across a field to watch some kids playing ice hockey on a piece of ice (not a

When I was very young, maybe kindergarten, I was given permission to walk outside across a field to watch some kids playing ice hockey on a piece of ice (not a rink, just frozen water). This was in Ottawa, Ontario. I had to cross a ditch to get there. Water was flowing underneath and there was a thin layer of ice on top. I stepped on it and "fell" into the ditch water. It was probably under 12 inches of water, and I panicked and screamed. Luckily, one of the kids (probably grade 3 or 4) walked over and used his hockey stick to save me. I thanked him and walked one minute to my aunt's house, telling my family that I'd almost drowned. I don't remember their exact reaction but it was muted. I am almost positive I would have actually drowned if that boy hadn't decided to wander over and help me. It was over 50 years ago and I'll never forget it.