This article traces the history of water rescue in the Netherlands and the pivotal role of the Apeldoorn Rescue Brigade. Founded in 1934, the brigade gained (inter)national fame with its innovative “Auto te water” course, training people to escape from submerged vehicles. The article explores the evolution of rescue methods – from 18th-century resuscitation experiments to modern lifesaving techniques – and highlights how the brigade’s unique training cabin became a symbol of Dutch safety innovation. Through collaboration with police, fire service, and insurers, the brigade professionalized water rescue and contributed to public safety education. The donated training cabin now preserved by Korpora represents not just a technical artifact, but a legacy of courage, dedication, community service, and prevention.