Dramatic Swift Water Rescue Saves Driver Stranded On Car Roof

A person was rescued from the roof of a vehicle Sunday morning after rushing floodwaters swept the vehicle away in Perris, prompting a swift water rescue operation.

On October 11, 2026, at approximately 9:24 a.m., CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department crews responded to the area of East San Jacinto Avenue and Murrieta Road following reports of a vehicle being carried away by floodwaters.

The vehicle’s occupant managed to climb onto the roof as the surrounding floodwaters made it unsafe to reach dry land.

A swift water rescue team responded and deployed an inflatable rescue boat to reach the stranded individual.

Rescue personnel successfully reached the vehicle, brought the occupant aboard the boat, and transported them safely to shore.

No injuries were reported during the incident.

Officials reminded motorists to use extreme caution during flooding and never attempt to drive through flooded roadways. Even relatively shallow moving water can sweep vehicles away and place occupants in life-threatening situations.

The rescue occurred as heavy rainfall caused flooding and hazardous roadway conditions across portions of Riverside County.

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