ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — A new marine tool used by the St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue personnel helped three kayakers in distress off the southern tip of Pass-a-Grille.
On Friday afternoon, the extensive training ahead of the Spring Break season paid off when a trio became exhausted during their kayak trip.
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A resident from Point Pass-a-Grille Condominiums saw them struggling against the strong tide and called the fire department for help. Among the three was a first-time kayaker who didn’t know how to swim. The trio had been struggling in the water for well over an hour.
Crews arrived and launched the Lite Marine 22, a specialized Jet ski with a custom rescue float ramp, from the beach near 4th Avenue.
Operator Lt. Jason Wing and Rescue Swimmer Lauren Garceau met with the kayakers and brought them all to safety…