Bystander helps rescue woman who fell off paddleboard near Jolley Bridge on Marco Island

On Wednesday afternoon, officers with the Marco Island Police Department and firefighters with Marco Island Fire Rescue responded to reports of a woman falling off of a paddleboard and struggling in the water. According to MIPD, the Marine Emergency Response Team was activated and multiple marine units were dispatched. While first responders were on the scene, MIPD says that a bystander named Patty saw the woman in distress and swam approximately 300 yards to get to her. The woman, Shannon, was safely returned to shore. Both women were unharmed. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV