A Tesla driver in New Canaan, Connecticut, accidentally drove through a fence and into a public pool on Tuesday morning after mistaking the accelerator for the brake pedal. Lifeguards who happened to be on site performed a dramatic water rescue before emergency crews devised a specialized plan to remove the submerged electric vehicle.

Driver Mistakes Accelerator for Brake at Waveny Park

The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. on June 16 at Waveny Park’s public pool. The unidentified male driver was attempting to park his Tesla when he accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake. The electric vehicle shot forward through a line of trees and a perimeter fence before plunging directly into the pool, where it came to rest in the middle of the water. The pool was closed at the time, preventing what could have been a far more dangerous situation with swimmers present.

Lifeguards Execute Quick Water Rescue

Mike D’Urso, a lifeguard who was setting up food court umbrellas with coworkers, heard a loud crash and turned to see the Tesla submerged in the pool. He and fellow lifeguards immediately jumped into the water, fully aware of the hazards posed by an electric vehicle in water. D’Urso’s primary concern was the rising water level reaching the driver’s head. Working alongside New Canaan Police Department officers, the rescue team broke a window and opened the door to extract the driver. The man was transported to a local hospital for evaluation but had sustained no injuries from the unexpected plunge.

Emergency Teams Deploy Specialized Vehicle Removal

After the driver’s rescue, multiple emergency teams remained on scene to address the dangers of a submerged electric vehicle. New Canaan Fire Department Interim Chief William Perritt coordinated a vehicle removal plan using a rotator tow truck. Fire department personnel entered the water to attach slings to the Tesla before the tow company successfully lifted it onto a flatbed truck. Fortunately, the car’s battery remained undamaged, preventing a potential vehicle fire. The quick-thinking lifeguards, including D’Urso, received praise from community members and officials for their rapid response. D’Urso’s grandparents were among those calling him and his colleagues heroes.

What This Means

The incident highlights the critical importance of emergency preparedness at public facilities. The presence of trained lifeguards at a closed pool proved essential to preventing serious injury or death. The specialized response required for electric vehicle submersion also demonstrates the evolving challenges facing first responders as electric cars become more common on American roads. Parking accidents involving pedal confusion remain a persistent safety concern across all vehicle types.