Each year, there are approximately 1,200 – 1,500 incidents and 400 – 600 deaths involving vehicles that have gone off the road and plummeted into the water. The driving public needs to plan for these types of emergencies by (A) rehearsing the steps necessary for a successful self-rescue from a vehicle in the water, and (B) having the rescue/escape tools readily available for use during this type of emergency situation. First Responder agencies need to provide the training necessary to prepare their personnel to respond to these types of incidents, and should provide the Personal Protective Equipment and rescue tools necessary for a safe and effective response and management of vehicles in the water.
Lifesaving Resources advocates that in the event your vehicle goes off the road into the water, occupants must act quickly to assess the situation and to escape the vehicle before the vehicle fills with water and submerges, and advocates the following emergency steps:
1. SEATBELTS (off): remove your seatbelts immediately.
2. WINDOWS (open or break): open your window. If the window doesn't open, break it open.
3. CHILDREN (removed): remove children.
4. GO (get out!): evacuate the vehicle as soon as possible. Everyone should use the same exit route.
For additional information, please access our article, ESCAPE AND RESCUE FROM SUBMERGED VEHICLES at http://lifesaving.com/issues-safety-rescue/escape-and-rescue-from-submerged-vehicles-2/ And, please don't drive through flooded roadways and remember: TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!
This information is included within all Lifesaving Resources' Ice Rescue and Water Rescue Training Programs for First Responders. For information on any of our ICE RESCUE TECHNICIAN courses or our INTERNATIONAL ICE RESCUE TRAIN-THE-TRAINER ACADEMY, please access our website at http://lifesaving.com/courses-registration/
Lifesaving Resources (www.lifesaving.com) is a private company dedicated to drowning and aquatic injury prevention and emergency management. Located in Kennebunkport, Maine, Lifesaving Resources is recognized both nationally and internationally as a leader in Ice and Water Rescue training programs for First Responders. The company develops educational programs in Water Rescue, Swiftwater Rescue, Ice Rescue, Lifeguarding, Drowning Prevention and Aquatics Safety, and conducts this training throughout North America as well as Internationally