Flipped paddle boat prompts Cape Coral firefighters to search Lake Saratoga

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

Cape Coral firefighters conducted a search at Lake Saratoga Park after a flipped paddle boat raised concerns for a nearby neighbor.

Lake Saratoga Park is a go-to spot for dog walking and boat riding for George Godfrey, who lives by the water.

"There's a kayak ramp right here for loading and unloading. It gets used to a lot," Godfrey said.

One of his neighbors alerted the Cape Coral Fire Department Thursday afternoon after spotting the flipped paddle boat.

The fire department’s dive team searched the lake and thankfully did not find anyone. They also shared advice for handling situations involving flipped paddle boats.

"Just stay calm, make sure you're always wearing a life jacket. Try to stay floating with that device, because that's going to be able to help us find where you are, especially if you're not a great swimmer. Another big thing is if you're out in the open water, ocean, river and lake, there's these things called Deep EPIRB. They make small ones that you can actually take with you. That way, you can actually find your exact location," said Matthew Nadelman of the Cape Coral Fire Department Dive Team.

Cape Coral firefighters said they respond to dive calls like this nearly every other week. During this search, they used their new Aqua Eye sonar technology, which helps locate people in murky water.

"Well, just hang on to the lifejacket and be smart. Don't do silly things," Godfrey said.

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