Sisse's flailing attempts were altogether unsuccessful, leaving Ned to receive a mouthful of water as his arm was pulled. The girl's skirts made her heavy, and he felt himself being weighed down more than he was used to, but he wasn't about to give up.

"Let go of the paddle; it's useless," he stated, volume higher than normal, wanting to be sure she could hear him. The paddle was a sad excuse for a flotation device, and all he could imagine was either of them accidentally getting knocked in the head with it in Sisse's panic.

While he struggled, Ned quietly assessed the situation, not completely sure how he would be able to swim back with her clutching to him. Unless. "I'm going to hold you instead." Maneuvering so that he was behind her, Ned tried to reach out and scoop his arms under Sisse's armpits. If she allowed him, he'd try to hook his forearms onto her shoulders. Maybe from that vantage point he would have more control and be able to swim backwards without worry of her kicking him or accidentally dragging them both down.