Safety afloat: Lee County Sheriff's Office demonstrates water safety education on boat ride

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

Summer fun in the water brings joy to many, but without proper safety measures, it can quickly become dangerous.

This year, the Lee County Sheriff's Office has already responded to three drowning deaths. Last year, six adults and four children died.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit took our crew out on the boat on Wednesday to see firsthand how deputies respond at a moment's notice. From emergency rescues to keeping people safe on the water.

"At some point in the future, everyone in this agency will have had some sort of basic water survival class," said Sgt. Matthew Ansell with the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

Sgt. Ansell says Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel lighthouse are some of the busiest spots for swimming and boating.

"If someone comes through here at a high speed and creates too much of a big wake and could rock to the dock and maybe cause someone to become unbalanced and fall off the dock," said Sgt. Ansell.

A common mistake on the water? Not knowing the boating laws and safety rules.

Deputies also say checking the weather before getting in the water can save lives. For example, a deputy rescued three girls caught in a rip current at Lovers Key State Park on Sunday.

"If you're swimming against that rip current, it could be fatal. Swim with the current away and around it," said Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno.

Never drink while operating a boat, and make sure someone on land knows your plans before you go.

At home, make sure pools are properly secured with fencing and door alarms, keep a close eye on kids, take time to learn CPR, and use life jackets when needed.

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