Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight is commending a sergeant with the Sheriff’s Office for rescuing two teenage swimmers off Siesta Key Sunday.
Sgt. Steve Leavitt was off-duty and with his family near Beach Access 7 when he noticed two swimmers struggling in the strong current, according to a Sheriff’s Office report. A 15-year-old female was screaming for help and a 14-year-old male was sinking under the water.
Leavitt quickly swam out to the teenage girl and brought her to shallow water, the report says. Then he went about 75 yards out to rescue the 14-year old male swimmer and bring him to shore. Neither victim required medical attention following their rescues.
Leavitt has been with the Sheriff’s Office since August 2002. He is a supervisor in the Youth Services Section.
We have courageous and caring people around us..thanks for sharing this wonderful story.