A relaxing getaway to a cabin in the Red River Gorge area of southeastern Kentucky ended when two women in their 80s became trapped in a jacuzzi and were unable to get out.

The incident occurred earlier this month during a girls' trip. According to the Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team (WSCART), both women had pre-existing health conditions that prevented them from leaving the hot tub on their own, Fox News reported.

The critical moment in the hot tub

The situation quickly turned dangerous. The hot water caused both women to develop hyperthermia, a condition in which the body overheats and loses the ability to regulate its temperature.

As the minutes passed, the two octogenarians lost consciousness in the hot tub. A third woman in the group went under to keep their heads above water, while another ran for help and called 911.

By the time rescuers from WSCART and the Wolfe County Sheriff's Office arrived, cabin caretakers had already managed to pull the victims out of the hot tub.

One woman was unconscious and in critical condition.

The other was partially responsive, though showing clear signs of exhaustion from overheating.

Rescuers acted quickly: the more seriously injured woman was moved to a shower, where they applied cold water and ice, while the second was cooled down outside with a hose and more ice packs.

After 20 to 30 minutes of intensive cooling, both began to show signs of recovery. They were later taken to a local hospital.

Rescuers' Warning

Although the women managed to survive, the episode left an important lesson. The rescue team reminded everyone that the recommended time in a hot tub is between 15 and 30 minutes and stressed the need for people with medical conditions or limited mobility to take precautions.

“Make sure you can exit the hot tub once you're in, especially if you have a disability,” WSCART warned. “Hyperthermia and heatstroke can be fatal, and this story could have ended very differently without the quick reaction of everyone involved.”