[To Helix, what he's clutching desperately to is a barrel that is less than ideal to hold onto. So when he hears Lacus--which it just sounds like she's calling to him--he moves in a blind attempt to get to her make-shift raft instead. Being unable to swim isn't working that great for him though, somehow he manages to keep the barrel under his arm as he pulls himself through the water to her. His limbs are resisting so for now he'll just hang off the side of her raft.]
L-lacus. Wh-what is going on? [Teeth chatter as he tries to speak. Of course to her, she might just hear him frantically saying "I'm late. I'm late for the tea party!" or something to that effect.]