Freak hot tub incident almost kills 2 elderly women on girls’ trip at remote cabin: ‘Nearly turned tragic’
What began as a relaxing getaway nearly turned deadly for two elderly women after a soak in a hot tub at a remote cabin in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge took a dangerous turn.
A group of friends in their 80s was enjoying a girls’ trip last Friday when two of the women found themselves unable to exit the jacuzzi due to pre-existing mobility issues, according to the Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team.
Trapped in the hot water, the women became overheated and eventually lost consciousness from hyperthermia. A third friend quickly entered the tub to keep their heads above water and prevent drowning while others called for help.
Caretakers of the rental property responded swiftly, pulling the unconscious women from the water. One woman was barely responsive, while the other showed no signs of consciousness and was in critical condition by the time first responders arrived.
A member of the rescue team, who also serves as an EMT, immediately began cooling the victims. The unresponsive woman was carried to a nearby shower and doused in cold water. Both women were treated with ice and cold compresses to reduce their body temperatures, officials said.
The semi-conscious woman was also taken outside and hosed down to help stabilize her condition.
Once the women began to show signs of recovery, they were transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. Both are now reportedly doing well, according to a spokesperson for the rescue team.
No alcohol or drugs were believed to have played a role in the incident.
In the aftermath, rescue officials issued a reminder about hot tub safety. “Hyperthermia and heatstroke can be fatal, and this story could have ended much differently without the quick thinking of those involved,” the Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team said in a statement. They recommended limiting hot tub use to 15–30 minutes and urged individuals with mobility limitations to take special care when entering or exiting.
The incident also serves as a reminder of broader safety concerns around hot tubs. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) set a maximum spa temperature of 104°F back in 1987 following several deaths linked to overheating. Additional fatalities have occurred from entrapment incidents involving drain covers and spa equipment.
Tragically, similar accidents continue to occur. Last summer, a man was electrocuted while using a hot tub at a resort in Mexico. His wife survived after jumping in to save him and later filed a lawsuit against the property.
While the Kentucky getaway ended without loss of life, officials emphasized the importance of hot tub safety to ensure similar vacations don’t take a tragic turn.
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