もうちょっとでおぼれるところだった。

now; soon; shortly; before long; presently; already; yet; by now; (not) anymore; further; more; again; another; the other; interjection used to strengthen expression of an emotion (often exasperation)

just a minute; short time; just a little; somewhat; easily; readily; rather; (will not) easily; hey!

indicates location of action; at; in; indicates time of action; indicates means of action; cause of effect; by; and then; so; indicates continuing action; indicates certainty, emphasis, etc.

to drown; to nearly drown; to sink below the surface (of water); to indulge in; to lose one's head over something; to wallow in

place; spot; scene; site; address; district; area; locality; one's house; point; part; space; room; whereupon; as a result; about to; on the verge of; was just doing; was in the process of doing; have just done; just finished doing

be; is; indicates past or completed action; indicates light imperative