American actor David Schwimmer considers himself blessed after he escaped near death on three separate occasions.

The Friends star was saved by a relative after nearly drowning as a child - and then narrowly avoided two airplane crashes.

The 40-year-old says, "I almost drowned as a boy, but was rescued by a cousin.

"I've had two very, very close calls on airplanes - both due to engine failure."

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)