There’s something quite enchanting about the idea of a family Disney cruise, isn’t there? Sun-drenched decks, the vast blue ocean, and the promise of Disney magic around every corner. Yet, as one family discovered, even the happiest place on water can surprise you with some very real-life drama. On what was supposed to be a delightful cruise between Fort Lauderdale and the Bahamas, a father found himself plunging into the ocean to save his daughter, proving once again that parental instincts can kick in remarkably fast when it matters most.

Now, picture this: they’re on the fourth deck, enjoying the sea breeze, probably with Mickey Mouse in tow somewhere, and the dad is trying to capture the perfect photo of his daughter. Apparently, the little one was perched on the railing when, in a sudden turn of events, she toppled over the edge. It’s every parent’s nightmare. But without missing a beat, the dad does what most parents hope they never have to do—he jumps in right after her.

For nearly 20 minutes, he treaded water, holding onto his daughter, waiting and hoping for help to arrive. These aren’t the kind of heroics one expects on a relaxing cruise. Fortunately, the rescue crew showed up in time, displaying some commendable skills according to the cruise line’s statement. This incident, terrifying as it was, ends up showcasing just how crucial safety protocols are, even when vacationing.

Although the cruise line didn’t confirm that a picture was the catalyst for this unexpected dip, it does serve as a reminder. Perhaps balancing precariously for the perfect Instagram shot isn’t worth the potential for a soggy disaster. One might argue that not all memories need to be documented, especially if it means balancing on a ship railing way up on the fourth deck. While many parents would leap to their child’s aid in a heartbeat, let’s be honest, not every story ends with such a happy conclusion.

Thankfully, in this tale over the high seas, both the father and daughter emerged unharmed save for a good dunking and an unforgettable story to share back on dry land. It’s unlikely they kept that photo, assuming it was ever taken in the first place. So next time one finds themselves on the deck of a massive cruise ship, they might want to keep both feet firmly planted—or at the very least, upgrade the phone’s zoom lens instead.