diff --git a/src/playsim/mapthinkers/a_pusher.cpp b/src/playsim/mapthinkers/a_pusher.cpp
index f024cbb3e55..588ce338ca6 100644
--- a/src/playsim/mapthinkers/a_pusher.cpp
+++ b/src/playsim/mapthinkers/a_pusher.cpp
@@ -272,13 +272,13 @@ void DPusher::Tick ()
 				{
 					pushvel = m_PushVec; // full force
 				}
-				else if (thing->player->viewz < ht) // underwater
+				else if (thing->player && thing->player->viewz < ht) // underwater
 				{
 					pushvel.Zero(); // no force
 				}
 				else // wading in water
 				{
-					pushvel = m_PushVec / 2; // full force
+					pushvel = m_PushVec / 2; // half force
 				}
 			}
 		}