Experts share vehicle submersion safety tips following recent water rescues in Eastern Idaho

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) - Recent vehicle-related water rescues in Eastern Idaho are serving as an important reminder about the dangers rivers, canals, and other waterways can pose to drivers.

Safety advocates from Kids and Car Safety, as well as local law enforcement, say one emergency many people never think about is what to do if their vehicle ends up in the water — a situation where every second counts.

According to Kids and Car Safety, approximately 400 people die each year in the United States as a result of vehicle submersion incidents. Experts say the key to survival is acting immediately.

Rather than waiting for a vehicle to fill with water, safety experts recommend exiting through a window as quickly as possible.

Kids and Car Safety representative Jenna Needham says drivers should remember the acronym "SWOC" in an emergency:

• S — Seatbelts off
• W — Windows open
• O — Out immediately
• C — Children first, oldest to youngest

"That formula, the S-W-O-C, is just great because it's so simple and it can really help you from dying in an emergency such as this," Needham said. "Your car can easily be swept away in just six inches of water, so people overestimate the amount of time that they have to escape."

Water safety advocates say preparation begins long before an emergency occurs. Teaching children how to swim, wearing life jackets near rivers and lakes, and discussing emergency plans as a family can all help reduce the risk of drowning.

The Bonneville County Sheriff's Office emphasizes the importance of staying alert and practicing caution. Sheriff's deputies are urging the public to give emergency personnel the space they need to conduct operations safely and efficiently during water rescue missions. They also want to raise awareness about the dangers posed by current water conditions near the Snake River. Safety around water should always be a priority, especially at this time of year when high water flow and extremely cold temperatures make self-rescue particularly challenging.

With rivers and canals running high during Eastern Idaho's runoff season, officials are also reminding drivers to avoid flooded roadways and never attempt to drive through moving water.

As summer recreation and travel increase across the region, safety experts hope recent incidents serve as a reminder that knowing what to do in a water emergency could save lives.

To find more information and resources on water safety from Kids and Car Safety, click here.