Two little girls were wearing life jackets when their family's boat capsized in Lake Erie Sunday evening.
Channel 3 was there when the family was pulled to safety.
Experienced fisherman Dickey Jenkins has seen the water turn quick.
"This is a very shallow lake, things can change in a heartbeat," he said.
A seemingly calm Lake Erie produced waves 3 to 4 feet high and it was no match for the family's 17-foot boat.
There was little time to think.
"Things happen too fast, time is of the essence, and everyone thinks you have time. In reality, things go bad really fast."
Captain Joe Marvin, of the Lakewood Fire Department, said it was a good thing that the two little girls were wearing life jackets. It undoubtedly helped them swim to shore with Mom and Dad, where they awaited rescue.
News of the capsized boat traveled fast along the waterfront communities, serving as a reminder of the little things people tend to forget.
"You need to have all of your safety things together all the time -- radio, vest everything."
Life jackets are truly a life-saving device and you shouldn't be out on the water without them, and that includes adults, children, pets, everyone.
WKYC-TV