As early as she can remember Linda loved being in the water. She found that swimming in the backyard pool allowed her to dream of her own little world, carefree and serene. Floating on her back allowed her to watch cloud formations become recognizable shapes. Underwater she listened to muted sounds known only to that world. She fantasized about being a mermaid, comfortably weaving through the water in her dreamland. Her cousins, sisters and especially her playful brother often brought her out of her reverie to join in with their impromptu competitions. Sometimes it was a question of who could jump farthest off of the diving board, or who could remain underwater the longest. Racing each other evolved naturally; from one end of the pool to the other and back again, over and over. These friendly contests were the beginning, a pathway that led to the world of competitive swimming that is now so prominent in Linda's life. The Water Beckons, A Swimmer's Story is a narration of memories told during the races and festivities of a National Championship, submerging the reader into the world of competitive swimming. Linda guides the reader through an entire day of intense competition interspersed with restful memories as she documents her family's life-long love of swimming..