PINELLAS COUNTY— Five people, including a toddler, were rescued Saturday afternoon after their vessel began taking on water and eventually capsized several miles off the Pinellas County coast.
The incident occurred shortly after 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, when a vessel was reported taking on water approximately five miles off the beach of Caladesi Island.
Fire rescue and marine units from Clearwater Fire & Rescue and Dunedin Fire Rescue responded, along with deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).
The vessel ultimately capsized, sending all five occupants into the water. According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, all five were rescued by a PCSO marine unit and brought safely back to shore.
The Sheriff’s Office said the incident highlights the importance of having the required safety equipment onboard before an emergency occurs on the water.
“Your boat capsizing is terrifying no matter what, but having the required safety gear can help keep a bad situation from getting worse,” PCSO said in a social media post. “This family had all they needed to call for help and stay afloat until we arrived.”
PCSO reminded boaters that it is far better to have safety gear ready and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Required boating safety equipment includes a size-appropriate U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device for every person aboard, a sound-producing device, a visual distress signal, and a fire extinguisher.
While not legally required in all cases, the PCSO also strongly recommends having a marine VHF radio and a cellphone as a backup for contacting emergency services.
Boaters can review a comprehensive list of required equipment for their vessel size on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website at myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/equipment/.
Please consider additional safety equipment while boating this season!
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