Florida Deputy Rescues Non-Swimmer From Sinking Car

When Deputy Juliana Tenaglia heard the 911 call about a car in a canal, she learned one crucial detail: the driver couldn't swim.

The Broward County Sheriff's Office deputy arrived in Tamarac, Florida, to find a man desperately clinging to his vehicle as it sank halfway into the water. Time was running out, and panic was setting in.

But Tenaglia had an advantage. As a member of the sheriff's office dive team, she'd trained for exactly this kind of emergency.

Without hesitation, she grabbed her fins and rescue device and entered the water. The footage shows her calm, methodical approach as she reached the frightened driver and brought him safely to shore.

"On the way here, they said that he didn't know how to swim," Tenaglia said in the released video. Her training kicked in immediately, transforming what could have been a drowning into a successful rescue.

The driver's relief was visible as Tenaglia guided him away from the sinking vehicle. What started as a terrifying accident ended with him standing safely on dry land, thanks to a deputy who was ready when it mattered most.

Why This Inspires

Tenaglia credits her success to the comprehensive training provided by the Broward County Sheriff's Office. "I've gotten the best training here," she said. "Because of all that training, I had the confidence to do what I had to do."

Her words highlight something important: preparation meets opportunity. Specialized teams like the dive unit exist for those critical moments when seconds count and regular response isn't enough.

The investment in training deputies for water rescues pays dividends in lives saved. Tenaglia's readiness turned her from a responding officer into a lifesaver in minutes.

This rescue reminds us that behind every emergency response are countless hours of training, dedication, and professionals who choose to go above and beyond. Tenaglia didn't just show up; she showed up prepared, and one driver went home to his family because of it.