A relaxing soak turned dangerous—what every older adult should know about hot tub safety
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A weekend getaway with friends can be one of life’s great joys—especially when it’s filled with laughter, good food, and a bit of well-earned relaxation.
But for a group of women in their 80s, what started as a peaceful vacation in Kentucky quickly became a life-threatening emergency.
A simple dip in the hot tub turned into a terrifying ordeal that sent two of them to the hospital and left their rescuers shaken.
Now, emergency officials are using their story to raise awareness about the hidden risks of hot tubs, particularly for older adults.
Here’s what happened—and how you can avoid a similar scare.
The women had rented a cozy cabin in Campton, Kentucky, nestled in the Appalachian Plateau.
After a day of reconnecting and enjoying the outdoors, they decided to end the evening with a soak in the hot tub.
But things quickly went wrong.
Two of the women—both with underlying health conditions—found themselves unable to climb out.
Trapped in the heat, their bodies began to overheat, leading to hyperthermia, a dangerous rise in core body temperature that can cause confusion, organ failure, or worse.
When the others realized what was happening, one friend jumped in to hold their heads above water while another called 911.
The Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team (WCSART), local police, and the cabin’s caretakers rushed to the scene.
By the time help arrived, caretakers had pulled the women from the tub—but one was unresponsive and the other barely conscious.
First responders moved fast. One woman was placed under a cold shower and doused with freezing water.
The other was treated indoors but later taken outside and sprayed with a garden hose when initial efforts didn’t work.
After about 20 to 30 minutes of cooling, both women regained consciousness and were transported to a hospital for further care.
The Wolfe County rescue team called it a “first for us,” but they shared the story to help others avoid a similar incident.
Hot tubs can be enjoyable, but they also pose hidden dangers—especially for older adults or anyone with mobility issues.
1. Overheating happens fast
Hot tubs are usually heated to 100–104°F. For older adults, prolonged exposure to these temperatures can lead to dizziness, confusion, or even unconsciousness.
As we age, our bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature.
2. Getting out isn’t always easy
High sides, slippery steps, and limited space can make exiting a hot tub difficult—especially if you have arthritis, muscle weakness, or balance problems.
3. Health conditions and medications matter
Heart disease, diabetes, blood pressure medications, and other health issues can increase the risk of overheating.
Always check with your doctor before using a hot tub if you have a medical condition.
4. Socializing helps—but stay alert
Hot tubs are often used in groups, which is a good thing—but it’s important to keep an eye on one another.
If someone looks dazed, tired, or struggles to get out, take it seriously and act fast.
Let this near-tragedy serve as a wake-up call—not a reason to stop enjoying life, but a reminder to take precautions.
Here are some easy ways to stay safe while soaking:
With a few precautions and a little planning, you can continue to enjoy these moments safely and confidently.
After all, relaxation should never come at the expense of your well-being.
Read next: This 5-second household test could prevent a shocking disaster—here’s how to do it now
Have you ever had a close call with a hot tub or similar situation? Do you have safety tips to share with others in our community? Let us know in the comments—your insight could help keep someone else safe on their next getaway!
But for a group of women in their 80s, what started as a peaceful vacation in Kentucky quickly became a life-threatening emergency.
A simple dip in the hot tub turned into a terrifying ordeal that sent two of them to the hospital and left their rescuers shaken.
Now, emergency officials are using their story to raise awareness about the hidden risks of hot tubs, particularly for older adults.
Here’s what happened—and how you can avoid a similar scare.
Hot tubs can be a source of comfort—but also carry hidden risks, especially for older adults. Image Source: Pexels / Brady Knoll.
A quiet evening in Kentucky takes a frightening turn
The women had rented a cozy cabin in Campton, Kentucky, nestled in the Appalachian Plateau.
After a day of reconnecting and enjoying the outdoors, they decided to end the evening with a soak in the hot tub.
But things quickly went wrong.
Two of the women—both with underlying health conditions—found themselves unable to climb out.
Trapped in the heat, their bodies began to overheat, leading to hyperthermia, a dangerous rise in core body temperature that can cause confusion, organ failure, or worse.
Also read: This Dangerous Plant Can Ruin Your Health—Here’s How to Spot It Before It’s Too Late!
Quick thinking and teamwork saved their lives
When the others realized what was happening, one friend jumped in to hold their heads above water while another called 911.
The Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team (WCSART), local police, and the cabin’s caretakers rushed to the scene.
By the time help arrived, caretakers had pulled the women from the tub—but one was unresponsive and the other barely conscious.
First responders moved fast. One woman was placed under a cold shower and doused with freezing water.
The other was treated indoors but later taken outside and sprayed with a garden hose when initial efforts didn’t work.
After about 20 to 30 minutes of cooling, both women regained consciousness and were transported to a hospital for further care.
Also read: Protect yourself on your next trip: What you need to know about carbon monoxide detectors
A reminder: hot tubs carry real risks
The Wolfe County rescue team called it a “first for us,” but they shared the story to help others avoid a similar incident.
Hot tubs can be enjoyable, but they also pose hidden dangers—especially for older adults or anyone with mobility issues.
What makes hot tubs risky for seniors?
1. Overheating happens fast
Hot tubs are usually heated to 100–104°F. For older adults, prolonged exposure to these temperatures can lead to dizziness, confusion, or even unconsciousness.
As we age, our bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature.
2. Getting out isn’t always easy
High sides, slippery steps, and limited space can make exiting a hot tub difficult—especially if you have arthritis, muscle weakness, or balance problems.
3. Health conditions and medications matter
Heart disease, diabetes, blood pressure medications, and other health issues can increase the risk of overheating.
Always check with your doctor before using a hot tub if you have a medical condition.
4. Socializing helps—but stay alert
Hot tubs are often used in groups, which is a good thing—but it’s important to keep an eye on one another.
If someone looks dazed, tired, or struggles to get out, take it seriously and act fast.
Also read: From beachside to behind bars—how a dream trip turned into a legal nightmare
Smart hot tub safety tips for older adults
Let this near-tragedy serve as a wake-up call—not a reason to stop enjoying life, but a reminder to take precautions.
Here are some easy ways to stay safe while soaking:
- Keep your soak short: Stick to 15–30 minutes at a time.
- Lower the temperature: Aim for 100°F or below.
- Drink water: Hot tubs can dehydrate you—stay hydrated before and after.
- Use the buddy system: Never soak alone. Someone should always be nearby.
- Think ahead: Make sure you can safely get in and out of the tub. Use handrails if available.
- Talk to your doctor: Especially if you have any pre-existing conditions or take medications.
- Know when to say no: If you’re feeling unwell or uncertain, skip the soak.
This frightening incident serves as a powerful reminder that even simple pleasures like a soak in the hot tub come with risks—especially as we get older. With a few precautions and a little planning, you can continue to enjoy these moments safely and confidently.
After all, relaxation should never come at the expense of your well-being.
Read next: This 5-second household test could prevent a shocking disaster—here’s how to do it now
Have you ever had a close call with a hot tub or similar situation? Do you have safety tips to share with others in our community? Let us know in the comments—your insight could help keep someone else safe on their next getaway!
