Saskatchewan is home to over 100,000 bodies of water.
Which means there’s a possibility someone might find themselves in a sinking or submerged vehicle.
“Drivers and passengers are at significant risk when a vehicle enters the water. Water can pour in through windows and doors causing entrapment, and the situation can quickly become life threatening. Knowing and practicing an escape plan with your family can prepare you for this kind of emergency,” says Cpl. Jamie Diemert, Saskatchewan RCMP Underwater Recovery Team (URT) Coordinator in a news release.
Saskatchewan’s RCMP UCT (Underwater Recovery Team) are providing the following reminders of lifesaving tips in case you’re in a sinking vehicle.
S - Seatbelts off
W - Windows open
O - Out immediately
C - Children first
Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht coined the lifesaving acronym ‘SWOC’. Giesbrecht is a leading cold water and drowning physiologist, and professor emeritus from the University of Manitoba.
Earlier this summer, Saskatchewan RCMP URT team members took part in vehicle immersion training informed by Dr. Giesbrecht.
“No one ever plans for an accident, but we know they happen. Our police divers have responded to calls with vehicles in dugouts, sloughs, rivers and even lakes,” says Cpl. Diemert.
Since May 2025, Saskatchewan RCMP’s URT has responded to three calls involving submerged vehicles. Thankfully, no drownings resulted.
In the event of an emergency, call 911 once you’ve safely exited the vehicle.