Two youth rescued from water near Sanibel Causeway
At about 7:50 p.m. July 2, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a call in reference to two juveniles who fell off their jet ski and were stranded in the water due to the quick-moving current.
West District deputies, Marine Unit deputies and the Aviation Unit rapidly responded to assist, according to LCSO officials.
“Our guys also responded and assisted,” Sanibel Fire and Rescue Division Chief of Training Tim Barrett said.
LCSO aviation arrived to the scene first and put eyes on the juveniles. West District deputies arrived minutes later and saw them hanging onto the A-Span bridge pillar, as advised by the Aviation Unit. The deputies leapt in the water to help bring the juveniles to the seawall for safety, as the current was ripping through the area. At this point in time, one juvenile was removed from the water at the base of the bridge.
Marine Unit deputies arrived shortly after and brought the other juvenile and the two deputies up into the boat. They were transported to shore where they were met by EMS. The juveniles sustained minor cuts due to grabbing onto the sharp oysters connected to the concrete on the bridge pillar and seawall.
“We met them on shore and helped check them out and make sure they were OK,” Barrett said.
The juveniles were cleared by EMS and were taken home by their parents.
To watch a video of the water rescue, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBFfNA0jQxk.