MARATHON, Fla. – A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer is credited with saving a kayaker in distress near the Spanish Harbor Bridge.

The officer responded to reports of a man clinging to an overturned kayak without a life jacket about a mile south of the bridge. Exhausted and unable to climb back aboard, the kayaker was pulled to safety when the officer threw him a rope and brought him onto his patrol vessel.

The kayaker, who was uninjured, was given a spare life jacket and reminded of the importance of carrying required safety gear. “This incident highlights the importance of always wearing a life jacket. Drowning is the leading cause of death in boating accidents,” FWC Capt. Adam Garrison said.

Officials thanked citizens who reported the emergency, emphasizing that quick action helped prevent a tragedy.

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission