Today's the Fourth of July and folks are splashing in their pools.

So, what happens when a bee falls in?

Sometimes they get lucky--if there's a human around to rescue them.  And sometimes their luck extends to a floating leaf.

This tiny female sweat bee, genus Halictus (probably H. tripartitus, as identified by native polinator specialist Robbin Thorp, emeritus professor of entomology at the University of California, Davis, fell into our pool and then managed to save herself by climbing onto a cherry laurel leaf.

If you look closely, you'll see another sweat bee, an even smaller one, trying to climb onboard, too. 

The scenario ended well. The bee coasting along the leaf dried her wings and then flew off. 

Luck be a lady...