Tempting Fate Puts Many at Risk
Recently, an incident occurred on the waters of Lee County which should serve as an object lesson on using better judgment. On this date, the area was racked by high winds and small craft warnings had been posted for the day. Lee County Sheriff’s Marine Division vessels patrolling were manned by Deputy Alan Bryant and myself in one boat and Deputy Ryan Justham in another. Since few pleasure craft were out, except for the occasional large cruiser, due to the warnings and the fact that the open seas were extremely rough, Deputy Justham journeyed up the Caloosahatchee River, part of the normal rotation, while Deputy Bryant and I checked the area between the Sanibel Causeway, San Carlos Bay, the Miserable Mile, and surrounding waters. Since most boaters had sensibly stayed home, the bulk of activity was land-based, except for the intrepid band of kite boarders who routinely appear along the causeway during windy conditions.
Toward the middle of the afternoon, Deputy Bryant and I had rendezvoused with Deputy Justham when a call came in, the type of which always gives cause for great concern. A seventy-one year old man had left Pineland Marina area on his sailboard and was two hours overdue. A sailboard, which is a surf board with a sail affixed to it, is a popular item in this and many other areas, providing speed and exhilaration. It also requires considerable dexterity to operate, especially in windy conditions.
When the call came in, we were in the area of Tarpon Point, approximately ten miles from the Marina, located near Bokeelia on Pine Island, a good distance in calm seas, but seemingly quite a bit further in the high winds pelting the area. Despite the threatening conditions, both boats headed for the area as fast as the conditions allowed. It provided for a rough ride. As we headed to the scene, land-based deputies from Gulf District responded to visually check the surrounding area to see if they could spot the subject. Importantly, the Sheriff”s helicopter, which would normally respond, reported that the winds were far too high for them to take off, further complicating the already perilous operation.
After what seemed an eternity, enduring the treacherous and pounding conditions, we arrived in the search area. As we were commencing our search, we were informed that a Coast Guard plane was being dispatched from Sarasota to assist. Just as we approached Pineland Marina, it was reported that the subject had been spotted by local boaters, and they had him on board. He had apparently lost all of his equipment, but he was fine.
Reportedly, the man had gone out in the high winds with several others and they had somehow become separated. Inexplicably, they returned without him. At any rate, he ended up in the water and was extremely fortunate that the boat, which appeared to be about 18 feet long, happened by when it did and where it did.
Needing to confirm that the man was indeed the object of the search and he was okay, we proceeded into the marina to await his arrival. Two Sheriff’s cars, two EMS ambulances with crews, and our two marine units were on hand when he was brought in and his identity confirmed. The Sarasota Coast Guard plane returned to base.
This incident had a happy ending, but it could have ended in tragedy. He could have been knocked out and drowned, had a heart attack, or a seizure, among a number of scenarios. He also could have had the thrill of his life for his age and returned to share his experience with his friends. The lesson here is that while some daredevils decided to defy weather conditions and put themselves at risk, they was also put rescue people in an unnecessary position, assets that may have been needed elsewhere for emergencies for others, not involving circumstances of their own creation.
If you decide to engage in dangerous behavior on the water, which is, of course, highly discouraged, please consider the ramifications for others if things go wrong, remembering that on most waterborne craft the risk increases exponentially as winds increase, especially with sailboards, kayaks, paddle boards, and the like. . Law enforcement and emergency personnel are trained and ready to respond, but please don’t tempt fate. You may not win, and you are putting others art risk.
Dave Sully is a Lee County VOICE Volunteer.