Just after 12 p.m. Sunday, police and firefighters responded to Castaways Point Park at the end of Bay Boulevard after multiple 911 calls reporting an overturned vessel about 300 yards offshore. (Google image)
BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA — Citizens and emergency crews rescued two adults and a small child after their boat overturned in the Indian River Lagoon just off of Castaways Point Park.
Citizens and emergency crews rescued two adults and a small child after their boat overturned in the Indian River Lagoon just off of Castaways Point Park.
Just after 12 p.m. Sunday, police and firefighters responded to Castaways Point Park at the end of Bay Boulevard after multiple 911 calls reporting an overturned vessel about 300 yards offshore.
When firefighters arrived a citizen was already assisting an adult female and child to shore.
The child, a female approximately 6-7 years old was wearing a life preserver and the adults had flotation devices.
Palm Bay Fire-Rescue Lieutenant Brian Gent sent one of his crew into the water to rescue the adult male who appeared to still be in distress attempting to get back to shore.
Firefighter Nick Swaboda swam approximately 200 yards to reach the man who was then brought to shore safely.
Firefighter-paramedics treated the victims on scene and no additional medical attention was needed.
Brian Gent
“Fortunately they were not in the water for a long period of time,” said Lt. Gent said. “The good news is the child had a life preserver on, which undoubtedly saved her life along with the efforts from the citizens who assisted.”
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Indialantic Police Department and Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission officers also responded to the scene. FWC officers towed the 15-foot vessel back to shore.
