If Your Car Falls Into Water — What You MUST Do

Finding yourself inside a sinking car is frightening, but survival is possible if you act fast and correctly.
A car usually stays afloat for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, so every second matters.

1. Don’t Panic — Act Immediately

Take one breath, stay focused, and follow the sequence below.

THE REAL LIFE-SAVING STEPS: “SWOC”

S – Seatbelts off

Unbuckle your seatbelt first, then help passengers, especially children.

W – Windows open (IMMEDIATELY)

This is the MOST important step.

• DO NOT wait for pressure to equalize.
• DO NOT try to open the door. The water pressure makes doors almost impossible to push open early on.
• Electric windows usually work for several seconds even when the car is in water.

💡 Your best escape route is the side window, not the rear window.

O – Out through the window

Get out through the open window as quickly as possible.

C – Children first

If you have kids:

1. Release their seatbelts
2. Push them out through the window
3. Then you exit last

❗ Correction of Common Myths (Important):

Myth 1: “Do not open the window, water pressure won’t let you out.”

Incorrect.
Opening the window IMMEDIATELY gives you the quickest escape. Waiting makes escape harder.

Myth 2: “Use the headrest to break the rear window.”

Not reliable.

• Headrests are not engineered as glass-breaking tools.
• Many modern rear windows are laminated and won’t shatter, even with a tool.
• Side windows are the best option and usually tempered glass, which breaks more easily.

Myth 3: “Cars are designed to float with rear window facing up.”

False.
Car orientation in water is unpredictable.
Never rely on the car’s position to plan your escape.

If Windows Will NOT Open

Use a window-breaking tool (kept on your keychain or door pocket).
Aim for the corner of a side window, not the center.

Keep This Simple Rule in Mind:

Seatbelts → Windows → Out → Children

This is recommended by water-rescue experts worldwide.