WATCH: Strangers Risk It All to Save Woman Trapped in Flood
Woman Survives Scary Flood Rescue at Sabino Canyon
What Happened on Thursday Morning
Early Thursday morning, just before 8:00 a.m., a family of three was riding their bicycles in Sabino Canyon. This beautiful park is located in the Santa Catalina Mountains, just northeast of Tucson, Arizona.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Never try to cross flooded roads, washes, or bridges! Fast-moving water is much stronger than it looks. It can knock you down, sweep you away, and put rescuers in danger too.
The Dangerous Moment
The family tried to cross a bridge that was covered in flood water. Here’s what went wrong:
- The 20-year-old woman was riding her bike across the flooded bridge
- She fell off her bike into the rushing water
- She got trapped underwater for several minutes
- Her family members and kind strangers (good Samaritans) jumped in to help
- They pulled her out and performed CPR until she woke up
The Rescue
- Deputies from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) arrived quickly
- They helped carry her out of the drainage area
- Two people (the woman and one other) were taken to a nearby hospital
- Good news: Both were in stable condition
Why Flooded Washes Are So Dangerous
Think of it like this:
Water moving at just 6 inches deep can knock over an adult. 2 feet of water can sweep away a car! The water in washes moves fast and has hidden dangers like rocks, debris, and strong undercurrents.
What the Sheriff’s Department Wants You to Know
| DON’T Do This | DO This Instead |
|---|---|
| Cross flooded washes on a bike | Turn around, don’t drown! |
| Drive through flooded roads | Find an alternate route |
| Walk through moving water | Wait for water to go down |
| Risk your life to save time | Stay safe and be patient |
Summary
A young woman narrowly survived a terrifying near-drowning at Sabino Canyon when she fell from her bicycle while crossing a flooded bridge. Quick action by her family and bystanders—including CPR—saved her life. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department uses this incident as a powerful reminder: never attempt to cross flooded washes, whether on foot, bike, or in a vehicle. Fast-moving water is deadly and puts everyone at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where exactly did this happen?
At Sabino Canyon in the Santa Catalina Mountains, northeast of Tucson, Arizona.
2. How long was she underwater?
Authorities say she was trapped underwater for several minutes before being pulled out.
3. Who saved her?
Her family members and good Samaritans (bystanders who helped) pulled her from the water and performed CPR until she regained consciousness.
4. Is she okay now?
Yes! She and one other person were taken to the hospital in stable condition.
5. Why is crossing a flooded wash so dangerous?
Moving water is incredibly powerful. Just 6 inches can knock you down, and 2 feet can carry away a vehicle. You also can’t see hidden dangers like debris, holes, or strong currents beneath the surface.
Remember: When you see water covering a road or path — Turn Around, Don’t Drown! It’s not worth the risk.