The boys begin to race. While Joel is keeping track of the sandbar and learning how to navigate the river’s current, he notices Tony struggling behind him. He stops and tells Tony he’ll “never make the swim team next year” if he doesn’t improve (26). He suggests practicing at the local pool, but Tony is adamant that he doesn’t want to because he doesn’t want others to see them practicing. Joel thinks that Tony is embarrassed, although Tony doesn’t admit it. Joel asks Tony if he is okay to swim, and they continue the race. Joel hears Tony “blowing and puffing like a whale” behind him so he thinks he’s okay (27). He begins to think that maybe they can practice in the river for the swim team and considers the apology he will give Tony after the race. When Joel reaches the end and calls back for Tony, he realizes that he doesn’t see Tony thrashing behind him anymore. He scans the bank for his friend. He thinks Tony is playing a prank, but he finds Tony’s clothing exactly where he laid it earlier. As he walks through the river, he realizes that Tony must have been pulled under.