Firefighters, lifeguards rescue three from Gulf

A father and his two children were rescued Wednesday morning after they became stranded on a paddleboat in the Gulf of Longboat Key.

Longboat Key firefighter/paramedic Matt Taylor said he swam about 250 meters and stayed with the family until Manatee County lifeguards arrived on Jet Skis to bring the family to shore. Taylor said the family probably became stranded because of the strong winds and currents.

Fire Chief Paul Dezzi described the rescue as “incredible” because of the rough waters.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].