Marin Co. sheriff's deputy rescues woman trapped inside car submerged in flooded creek: Video

MARIN COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) -- Dramatic video released by the Marin County Sheriff's Office shows the rescue of a woman early Tuesday.

The sheriff's office said the woman was driving to work down a rural road near Point Reyes around 5 a.m.

"Water was rushing off the hillside on the roadway and ultimately was filling up that creek. And as she was driving, she hit a large puddle in the road and lost control of the vehicle, ending up in that flooded creek," said Sgt. Adam Schermerhorn.

According to the sheriff's office, her vehicle became inoperable and her doors and windows remained locked. She called 911 and a deputy arrived.

After spotting the car in the creek, the sheriff's deputy immediately jumped to action.

He broke the car's back window and began removing items, trying to give the woman stuck inside the submerging car as much room to breathe as possible.

Eventually, the deputy was able to pull the woman out of the vehicle. He then helped her walk through the rushing water to safety.

The sheriff's office says the deputy likely got there just in time to save the woman's life.

"You can see about half of the license plate when Deputy Dawson arrives on scene. By the time he gets her out of the vehicle and onto the roadway, he turns around near the end of that video and the vehicle is almost completely submerged," Schermerhorn said.

The sheriff's office reminds people to never drive through standing water.

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"After this incident, Marin County Department of Public Works placed road closure signs out, however two additional vehicles became stuck after drivers ignored the posted signs. Please don't put yourself at risk by being careless," the sheriff's office said.

On Thursday, the Marin County Fire Department said events like these can serve as a reminder for the public.

"After this incident, Marin County Department of Public Works placed road closure signs out, however two additional vehicles became stuck after drivers ignored the posted signs. Please don't put yourself at risk by being careless," the sheriff's office said.

And with more rain ahead, it's urging everyone to exercise caution.

"If they see flooded areas, turn around, don't drown. If they see downed power lines, avoid them. Call 911. We really just want people to be safe out there," said Battalion Chief Graham Groneman.

Bay City News contributed to this report.