A shocking accident unfolded at a municipal swimming pool in the French town of La Ciotat when a car carrying a woman and her young child crashed through a glass wall and plunged directly into the main pool basin while swimmers were present inside.

Authorities confirmed that the driver, a 38-year-old woman, mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake, causing the vehicle to surge forward and break through the pool’s glass barrier. Her 5-year-old daughter was inside the car at the time of the incident, which was captured in dramatic video footage showing the moment of impact, the splash, and the rapid rescue that followed.

Lifeguards on duty reacted immediately, entering the water and assisting both occupants out of the submerged vehicle within moments. Remarkably, neither the woman nor her daughter suffered injuries, and no swimmers inside the pool were harmed.

Emergency services secured the scene as the pool was evacuated and closed to the public. The facility remains temporarily shut while repairs are carried out and the vehicle is safely removed. Local officials praised the swift response of lifeguards, noting that their quick action prevented what could have been a far more serious outcome.

The incident has sparked renewed attention on vehicle safety near public facilities, while serving as a reminder of how rapidly routine situations can turn dangerous — and how preparedness and professionalism can make the difference between tragedy and relief.