in all three of these cases people were saved from water, not saved by water.
I know this response is lengthy but I hope you will take the time to read it. I think it is a better explanation of what I am trying to convey.
In the Old Testament foreshadows of water baptism the individuals did not immerse in water; however, the effects of the N.T. baptism can be seen in the events depicted. Water is seen as the vehicle, God designed, both for washing away sin and through which comes life. (Mark 1:4, Luke 1:77, 3:3, 24:47, Acts 2:38, 10:43, 22:16)
1 Peter 3:18-22 “…in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were
saved through water. There is also
an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ
The preceding verse states that Noah’s family was saved through water. It goes on to say that the flood antitype, baptism, now saves us.
What is an antitype? ANTITYPE : That which is represented or prefigured by a type. The type may be considered a rough draft, while the antitype is the perfect image. The type is a figure, and antitype is the reality that the type prefigured, as Christ is the antitype of the Paschal Lamb. (The New Unger's Bible Dictionary.)
Noah believed and acted upon his belief by building an ark to the saving of his house.
They were preserved and saved through water.
During this event, water was the vehicle by which the Earth was cleansed of all sin.
Baby Moses was placed in an ark and floated to safety. (Exodus 2:3)
Moses parted the Red Sea and the children of Israel escaped
by going through water. (1 Corinthians 10:1-4)
Their sinful enemies were washed away in water.
Upon consecration into the priesthood; the candidate was to be washed head to toe with the water from the tabernacle laver. (Leviticus 8:5-6) This requirement parallels with New Testament water baptism wherein our sins are literally washed away. (1 Peter 2:5-9)
Prior to Elijah be taken up in a whirlwind, he smote the Jordan with his mantle and the waters parted.
After going through the parted water Elijah was taken to Heaven. (2 Kings 2)
Joshua and the Israelites walked through the parted waters of the Jordan into the promised land. (Joshua 3) A man from every tribe (12) left a stone of remembrance for all future generations of how God brought them through the water into the promised land. Interestingly, twelve apostles were commanded to preach water baptism in the New Testament. After passing through the Jordan, the Israelites were commanded to be circumcised at the hill of Gilgal. This also points to a connection between circumcision of the Old Testament and N.T. water baptism. (Col 2:11-12)