‘Distraught’ Man Who Swam Out To Sea Never To Return Rescued By Florida Deputies And Lifeguard

A “distraught” man who allegedly planned to swim out to sea and never return was rescued by deputies and a lifeguard in Florida, officials said.

The Martin County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called on Aug. 16 to assist “a very distraught individual who said he was going to swim out into the ocean in hopes of not returning.”

Marine Deputies and a sheriff’s office Aviation Unit responded to the scene, along with a Martin County Lifeguard, and “time was not on their side,” the sheriff’s office said.

The man was located “significantly offshore,” and rescuers “quickly realized he was clearly in emotional distress.”

“Deputies quickly jumped into the water to help turn things around — and they did,” the sheriff’s office said.

A video shared by the sheriff’s office shows deputies and a lifeguard in the water, surrounding the distressed man, while one deputy on board the boat holds his hand and doesn’t let go. Rescuers can be seen talking to the man for some time before pulling him safely on board the rescue boat.

“Thank you to our deputies, MCSO pilot and Martin County Lifeguard for never giving up — even when the person you are trying to help has a moment in their life where they feel like they want to,” the sheriff’s office said.