Two nearly drowned last week on Longboat
After Longboat Key Police officers and EMTs responded Aug. 21 to two near drownings, officials have decided to take the opportunity to remind residents of safe swimming habits.
Capt. Stephen Mislyan urges residents to always have a swimming buddy that stays on the beach so that if problems occur someone is able to contact the local emergency departments to assist with rescue efforts.
“We were appreciative of the assistance received on scene by a retired fire fighter who was vacationing from Hillsborough County with the woman involved in the incident at a resort on Longboat Key.”
Mislyan said a combination of heavy surf, strong currents and inclement weather contributed to the emergencies.
Here are the reports:
Wife rescued by husband
11:24 a.m. – Officer Thompson – 100 Broadway/Broadway Beach Access – Upon my arrival I met with the victim who was placed in the recovery position. She had been swimming in the Gulf of Mexico and was swamped by a wave during heavy surf in inclement weather. Her husband assisted her out of the water. She was transported to the hospital in stable condition.
Near-drowning rescue
3:40 p.m. – Officer Mislyan – 3400 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – Guests staying at a Longboat resort called 9-1-1 for a near drowning. I responded to the destination just as witnesses jumped into heavy surf in inclement weather to rescue a person in their group. A retired fire fighter was a member of the group and was able to assist in bringing the victim to shore. The victim signed a release for treatment and was able to remain at the resort.
Follow these safety tips to ensure a safe trip to the beach:
1. Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone. Even at a public pool or a lifeguarded beach, use the buddy system!
2. Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and learn-to-Swim courses.
3. Never leave a young child unattended near water, and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
4. Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
5. Establish rules for your family and enforce them without fail. For example, set limits based on each person’s ability, do not let anyone play around drains and suction fittings, and do not allow swimmers to hyperventilate before swimming under water or have breath-holding contests.
6. Even if you do not plan on swimming, be cautious around natural bodies of water including ocean shoreline, rivers and lakes. Cold temperatures, currents and underwater hazards can make a fall into these bodies of water dangerous.
7. If you go boating, wear a life jacket! Most boating fatalities occur from drowning.
8. Avoid alcohol use. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination, affects swimming and diving skills, and reduces the body’s ability to stay warm.
