Sometimes texting while preoccupied can have life-threatening consequences. Just ask Bonnie Miller, who fell off a pier and into a river's frigid water while trying to send a text message.

The 45-year-old woman was on an nighttime stroll with her family in St. Joseph, Mich., when she tried sending a text about an appointment, WBND reports.

"I sent about three words ... Next thing you know it was the water," Miller told WBND.

Rebecca Van Zant, a 19-year-old passerby, heard a panicked cry from Miller's son and instinctively dived into a river leading into Lake Michigan.

The teen swam to the woman while witnesses helped Miller's husband -- who had also jumped in -- out of the water and called 911 for medical care.

Now, Van Zant is being called a local hero, but the student said she didn't think twice about her actions.

If anything, the rescue only reaffirmed her goal to join the United States Coast Guard, WBST reports.

“As soon as the Coast Guard got there and I saw the badge on one of the guys I was like, 'This is what I want to do.' I would do it every day," Van Zant told WBST.

As for Miller, the woman said she's a bit embarrassed about the incident but is grateful to be alive.

All parties escaped the waters unharmed, but one member of the U.S. Coast Guard said the call is certainly one he'll remember.

"Since I’ve been here I haven’t heard of anyone that’s texting and walks off the pier, that is a new one for me,” Matthew Binns told WNDU.

For more on the story, watch the full report by WDNU in the video above.