Chase Stokes saves Madison Bailey from drowning in Barbados scene

During a water‑scene shoot for the final season of Netflix’s *Outer Banks* in Barbados, actor Chase Stokes pulled co‑star Madison Bailey from the ocean after she began to drown. The incident occurred while filming a moment in which a character is knocked off a boat and left unconscious.

Stokes swam to her and rescued her before she could lose consciousness.

During the take, Kiara was supposed to hold the unconscious character on the deck while JJ is in the water. However, when Bailey lost her grip, she began to sink beneath the surface. Stokes realized his co‑star’s face was no longer visible and that she was struggling to breathe.

Stokes dove into the water and reached Bailey, who was nearly unconscious after several minutes of underwater struggle. He brought her to the surface and kept her afloat until the crew could intervene. The incident was filmed in a single shot and did not require additional safety divers.

## Background & Context

The fifth season of *Outer Banks* premiered on Netflix last month and follows a group of teenagers in North Carolina's Outer Banks. Filming moved to Barbados for its tropical scenery and water‑heavy sequences. The production has already faced logistical challenges, including coordinating multiple boat scenes.

Stokes, known for his background in competitive swimming, has performed most of the series’ underwater scenes without external support. Crew members have praised his ability to maintain composure while acting in water. The production team reportedly follows standard safety protocols, including having a certified diver on set.

The scene in question involved a character being knocked off a boat and left unconscious in the water. the script, the characters would then attempt to rescue him, creating a tense underwater sequence. The unexpected lack of breathing on Bailey’s part turned the scripted action into an emergency.

## What People Are Saying

Stokes said he saw Bailey’s face disappear from view and realized she was no longer breathing. He described the moment as “hard to communicate” and said he dove in without hesitation. He later told the crew that the scene was not acting but a real emergency.

Bailey said she could not swim closer to the boat and was in a state of panic. She added that the crew initially thought it was part of the action, but she knew she was actually drowning. She later laughed about the ordeal, noting that her breathing had been a major challenge.

Other crew members noted that Stokes’ calmness helped keep the situation under control. A production supervisor mentioned that they had protocols for emergencies but were shocked by how close the incident came to becoming fatal. The team confirmed that no additional divers were on scene at the time.

## What Happens Next

Following the incident, the production reportedly conducted a safety review of all water scenes. The crew has announced they will bring additional certified divers to future shoots and will re‑evaluate current protocols. Stokes said he intends to continue performing underwater work but will do so with heightened precautions.

The fifth season of *Outer Banks* premiered on Netflix last week and is the series’ final installment. Production wrapped up filming a few days ago, with the cast and crew thanking each other for a successful run. Fans can stream all five seasons on the platform.

Stokes has indicated he may explore different roles beyond action‑heavy parts, while Bailey is expected to focus on upcoming film projects. The two actors have expressed gratitude for the support from fans and crew during the tense moment. Both remain committed to safety on set.

With the series now complete, viewers can revisit the dramatic ocean scenes knowing they were filmed under careful oversight. The incident has prompted a renewed focus on set safety for future productions.