LTC 220-2017 Fire and Police Joint Drowning Rescue EffortMIAMIBEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC# 220-2017
LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Philip Levine and Members o the City Co j ission
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
DATE: May 2, 2017
SUBJECT: Fire and Police Joint Drownin Rescue Effort
This Letter to the Mayor and City Commission is sent to update you on the extreme
bravery and professionalism displayed by members of the Miami Beach Fire -Rescue and
Police personnel this past weekend.
On April 28th at 7: 21 pm, a 911 call alerted emergency services of five swimmers who
were in distress due to rough ocean conditions in the Mid -beach area. As the life guard
tower is not staffed after 7pm, first responders in the area immediately responded to
render aid.
While three of the swimmers eventually made it to shore, the remaining two required
emergency assistance; one was helped by a good Samaritan, but unfortunately later
succumbed to his injuries. The fifth swimmer was rescued by the quick and well -
coordinated actions of Miami Beach Fire -Rescue and Police.
Police Officers Monica Rodriguez, Javier Palacios, William Beeker and Alejandro
Fernandez arrived promptly to render assistance, followed quickly by Sergeant Osvaldo
Mitat. Without hesitation, Sergeant Mitat shed his gear and swam out to the distressed
swimmer and kept him afloat until Firefighters Mario Morejon and Lieutenant Evan
Prentiss arrived with a paddleboard and rescue device. At about the same time, Marine
Patrol Officer Thomas Fleischhauer arrived and coordinated the transfer from water to
patrol vessel and eventually to Mount Sinai.
There is no question that the swimmer in this situation was in grave danger of drowning.
However, as a result of the quick, expert and selfless acts of the Miami Beach Fire -
Rescue and Police Department employees, the swimmer was transported in stable
condition and does not appear to have suffered any permanent injuries.
I am very proud of the exceptional acts of bravery and professionalism displayed by all of
the individuals who responded to this critical incident and ultimately played an important
lifesaving role. This event will also be showcased at the May 17th awards portion of the
Commission meeting.
JLM/DJO/wrg