ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A 44-year-old man and his 8-year-old son were rescued by the Coast Guard after struggling to get back onto their paddleboards in the vicinity of Vinoy Park, Saturday.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg command center received a 911 transfer at approximately 1 p.m., reporting that two male paddleboarders had entered the water and were struggling to get back aboard.
The reporting source indicated that he observed the father and son approximately 500 yards offshore waiving their hands because they were unable to get closer to land.
A 45-foot Response Boat — Medium crew was launched from Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg and was able to safely recover both the paddleboards and bring them back to Vinoy Marina.
No injuries were reported.
“Both the father and son were wearing their life jackets,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Ronnie Leavell, a search and rescue controller at the sector. “The Coast Guard wants to remind boaters as well as people enjoying small recreational crafts the importance of wearing their personal floatation devices. Wearing your life jacket significantly increases your chance of survival in an emergency situation.”
