Every Sunday, we will share a story of a non-fatal drowning, discuss where things went wrong, and give some pointers on how to prevent it from happening to the people you love. Thankfully, these stories have happy endings for those involved, but sadly, we lose too many people to drowning every year. We hope examining these real-life stories help put the dangers of water into perspective and help you introduce various principles of water safety to your family!
Today’s story includes a working lineman, a woman driving a CRV, and a pond. Thankfully, Lineman Arrington was hard at work and observant of his surroundings when he witnessed a car drive into a nearby water hole. Instinctively, he went into action and saved the woman from her submerging vehicle.
Thankfully Arrington was able to make a fast and safe recovery in this instance! But how should you react if you find yourself in a vehicle in water?
-Think Fast- depending on the car type, most vehicles will float for a little while before sinking. Quick action can get you out of the car before it is fully submerged.
-Have the tools you need- In cases where you are unable to open the door due to submersion and automatic windows are no longer working, you’ll want an easily accessible tool in the car that you can use to break the window open. When shopping, look for tools that can also double as a seatbelt cutter.
-Help children out of seatbelts/car seats first. Swim to the shore following the current.
-Lives only. Don’t worry about grabbing anything out of your car except human lives. Time is limited and items can be replaced.
And if it can be prevented at all, remember “Turn around, Don’t drown.” Never drive through water and don’t take the risk of being put into this dangerous situation.
If you find yourself in a submerged vehicle, think and move quickly. Have fun, be safe, and turn around, don’t drown!
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