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Remember the drill: Turn around. Don't drown.

Half of water fatalities involve vehicles, rescuers say
Posted at 11:08 PM, Sep 04, 2019
and last updated 2019-09-04 23:10:11-04

HAMILTON, Ohio — Turn around. Don't drown.

It's a warning you hear often. The Butler County Water Rescue Team gave us another reminder during a live rescue exercise on the Great Miami River Wednesday.

Deputies go through the training about once a month because they're often the first ones on the scene and the first who can initiate the rescue.

They say the biggest issue is with drivers. Half of all water fatalities involve vehicles, according to officers.

"They don’t really realize how deep the water is,” said Timothy Vaughan, medical supervisor for the Butler County Sheriff’s Office. “You can't tell by looking at it. The water may be much deeper than what you realize, then you drive your car in there and then they’re stuck and they require specialty rescue."

Drivers need to be extra cautious with heavy rain. It only takes 6 inches of water for you to lose control of your car. And it only takes 2 feet for your car to wash away.