> "very much like the video, and suddenly found herself struggling to break the surface of the water."
I am unable to view OP's site at the moment so I'm not sure if you mean there was something on top of her.
Anyway, in open water "being able to swim" should include a "rescue/recovery float" ability. AKA, the ability to float indefinitely with little or no expended effort (ideally no effort at all, but some people have body builds which make light sculling necessary). If they can't do that, they aren't ready to swim in deep water.
That is the standard we used when I was a lifeguard and swim instructor (well, instructor assistant).
I am unable to view OP's site at the moment so I'm not sure if you mean there was something on top of her.
Anyway, in open water "being able to swim" should include a "rescue/recovery float" ability. AKA, the ability to float indefinitely with little or no expended effort (ideally no effort at all, but some people have body builds which make light sculling necessary). If they can't do that, they aren't ready to swim in deep water.
That is the standard we used when I was a lifeguard and swim instructor (well, instructor assistant).