The Day I Went for a Ride in a Submerged Station Wagon
Brent Clevenger Jan 22, 2025
The Wildest Public Safety Dive Training Experience of My Career
Looking back on my nearly three decades of diving, there have been plenty of unforgettable moments, but one stands out as the most thrilling, unconventional, and downright cinematic experience of my career. It happened during one of my public safety diving classes, where we were learning the essential skill of raising sunken vehicles. But instead of a typical training scenario, we decided to take things up a notch—by driving a car into the lake!
A Training Session Unlike Any Other
Public safety divers are trained to recover vehicles from the water, but our instructor wanted us to truly understand the dynamics of a sinking car firsthand. Instead of gently lowering a vehicle into the water as we typically would, we took a more hands-on approach.
We arrived at a boat ramp with an old station wagon (fully stripped of its engine and any contaminants to protect the environment) and did something that felt straight out of an action movie: we drove it into the lake.
Experiencing a Sinking Vehicle from the Inside
I was stationed in the trunk of the car, and as we plunged into the water, the experience was nothing short of exhilarating. One thing I hadn’t expected? Just how long a car can actually float before finally sinking.
We drifted farther from shore than anticipated, the car bobbing in the water. Then, as the inevitable descent began, I braced myself—and then came the moment I’ll never forget.
A massive wave of water surged from the front to the back of the car, crashing over me in the trunk. It was a scene straight out of a movie, and it gave me a deep respect for the real-life dangers of vehicle submersion.
Lessons Learned & The Aftermath
Thankfully, we had prepared properly:
✔️ All windows were rolled down for an easy exit.
✔️ Safety divers were standing by to ensure a smooth evacuation.
✔️ Everyone involved was trained in emergency egress techniques.
Once submerged, we exited the vehicle safely, but the experience left a lasting impression. As a scuba instructor and public safety diver, I gained firsthand knowledge of vehicle sinking dynamics, something that textbooks simply can’t replicate.
I did walk away with a small "school scar" on my hand, a little memento of the adventure. But more importantly, I walked away with invaluable knowledge that I now pass on to my students.
Diving is About Constant Learning & Respect for the Unexpected
While I definitely don’t recommend this training method, it reinforced a key lesson: in diving, preparedness is everything. Whether you're a public safety diver, a recreational diver, or just starting your scuba journey, the ability to stay calm, adapt, and trust your training is what makes a great diver.
At Sink or Swim Scuba, we offer top-tier scuba training for divers of all levels—from beginner courses to advanced specialties like public safety diving. Our goal is to provide high-quality training at a great price while ensuring our students are equipped with the skills, confidence, and mindset to handle any underwater challenge.
