Some Volusia County first responders are being hailed as heroes after a quick-thinking rescue on the water.
A video posted on the Volusia County Sheriff Office’s social media channels on Tuesday shows a boat spinning in circles on Lake Dias.
Upon arrival, first responders discovered a single unresponsive occupant aboard the vessel and swiftly devised a plan to rescue the individual.
“We had split seconds to make a decision,” said Senior Deputy Matt Selzer of the sheriff’s marine unit.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
Once the boat got closer to shore, acting division chief and technical rescue deputy team leader John Kyp of Volusia County Fire Rescue jumped onto the spinning boat, managed to stop it, and safely brought the patient to shore for further medical treatment.
“Once we were able to look in the boat, his leg was actually laying on the throttle,” Selzer said. “We did what we needed to do to get that boat stopped and get that guy treatment.”
According to deputies, the man is expected to make a full recovery.
Marine Unit Sgt. Brodie Hughes said their training prepared them for such an emergency.
“Our guys are trained to go over the side and get into another boat doing it at 30 or 40 miles an hour,” Hughes said. “So, doing it in a circumstance like that was relatively easy for us.”
Selzer emphasized the department’s commitment to public safety.
“We do things for strangers every day,” Selzer said. “It doesn’t matter who it is or where they are, we put ourselves on the front line to make sure they go home safe and get the help they need.”
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: