Lifeguard Rescues Man After Tesla Plunges into Connecticut Community Pool

Ekhbary News Agency | 2024-05-15

A lifeguard in New Canaan, Connecticut, successfully rescued a man after his Tesla unexpectedly drove into a local public swimming pool. The unusual incident unfolded when the driver, attempting to park, inadvertently pressed the accelerator, sending the electric vehicle crashing through a perimeter fence and into the water.

Lifeguard's Swift Action Prevents Further Harm

Mike D’Urso, a lifeguard, recounted hearing a loud crash while setting up food court umbrellas with colleagues. "We turned around, and there’s just a Tesla sitting in the middle of our pool," D’Urso stated, describing the immediate aftermath. Though the driver remained conscious, a critical concern was the rising water level inside the vehicle. D'Urso explained, "I stayed pretty calm because the guy was breathing, he was conscious. My main concern, for what it's worth, was that the water level would rise above his head, so we had to get him out before that happened." New Canaan police officers joined the rescue, breaking a vehicle window and opening the door to safely extract the driver using a backboard. The driver sustained no major injuries but was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

Pool Closure and Community Reaction

John Howe, the New Canaan Parks and Recreation director, confirmed the pool was closed to the public at the time of the crash. He announced the facility would remain shut while town crews drained the pool, cleaned the area, and ensured its safety for public return. "Actually, a car in the pool definitely takes the cake," Howe remarked, adding, "I’ve never seen anything like this here in the town." This event underscores the unpredictable nature of everyday occurrences and the swift response required from local emergency services.