... Proved to me that mental attitude is the most important thing in that sort of situation. ...
This is huge. It sounds easy sitting at a keyboard but I think the mental aspect is the really critical part. I believe mental attitude is the reason that many don't manage to save themselves.
Most who find themselves up a creek know the steps they must take ... usually methodical, persistent moves with no more screw-ups, but there is this huge temptation to do something impulsive, power on through danger, or to second guess the moves that logic tells you are correct.
