Body camera footage captured the moment when a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer rescued a kayaker who was in distress in Marathon.
According to FWC, the incident happened on July 19 near the Spanish Harbor Bridge.
The officer was able to find the kayaker while he was on land and then took a patrol vehicle out on the water.
After about 20 minutes, the man, identified as Michael Krevat, was found holding on to his kayak as his head was barely above the water.
In the body camera footage, the officer threw a line at Krevat and then guided him toward the back of the patrol boat.
The officer then attempted to pull him into the boat, and Krevat’s body was in the boat, but his legs remained in the water.
“I can’t get in, I’m exhausted,” Krevat said.
The officer then told him to get his legs inside the boat, and Krevat said “I think it’s broken.”
As Krevat continued to struggle to get inside the boat, the officer tied the line around him, gave him a life preserver, and Krevat was able to fully get in the boat.
Krevat’s kayak was also recovered.
“I was paddling water for 20-30 minutes, and then I started praying to God, and then this guy shows up,” Krevat said.
When the two got back on land, Krevat was medically evaluated, and he had no injuries.
“This incident highlights the importance of always wearing a life jacket. Drowning is the leading cause of death in boating accidents,” said FWC Captain Adam Garrison. “Fortunately, our officer’s quick response helped prevent a potential tragedy on the water.”
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