BOCA GRANDE, Fla.,-
A woman had to be rescued after taking a swim off her boat, she then got swept away by the current. It happened near Jug Creek Shoal off Bokeelia.
A day took an unexpected turn for a couple while out on their boat. A woman was swept away after she jumped in the water for a swim.
“She was in the water for an undetermined amount of time and that jacket aided in her being able to stay a float,” said Chief C.W. Blosser.
Boca Grande Fire Department says her boyfriend was able to get her a life jacket, but couldn’t save his girlfriend because the current was so strong. Firefighter say he had all of the necessary safety equipment on board to help in this successful rescue.
“We got him to flash his running lights so we could help identify where he was. He launched a flare, it’s good to have signaling devices,” said Chief Blosser.
Earlier this week, Boca Grande firefighters took part in a multi agency training, one of the scenarios, a water rescue. They put a buoy in the water to see which way it went which led them to the woman.
“They were able to calculate the drift, read the tide, to judge the direction she was drifting in.”
Fire Chief CW. Blosser says these situations are why they spent hours training.
“The guys did a great job on the boat, when you’re on the water its vast. We were dealing with strong current, inclement weather so time was of the essence,” said Chief Blosser.
The woman wasn’t even hurt. She refused medical treatment.