NASBLA Recognizes Sarasota Officer and BOAT Program Instructor for Heroic On-Water Response
The incident, which unfolded north of the Ringling Museum, involved a boater who had been ejected from his vessel, leaving the 26-foot Everglades boat circling unmanned at speeds near 40 mph. The vessel operator, who was not wearing a life jacket or using the engine cut-off switch (ECOS), was returning from the weekend’s Boat Show at Marina Jack when he encountered the wake of a larger vessel and was thrown overboard. He sustained minor injuries but was safely recovered.
The Sarasota Police Department Marine Unit, supported by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, Venice Police Department, and SeaTow, quickly responded to the scene. After several unsuccessful attempts to foul the propeller using traditional tow lines, SeaTow deployed a plasma tow line, which slowed the vessel enough for Sarasota Police Officer Ron Dixon to skillfully maneuver alongside it. Lieutenant Bruce King was then able to board and bring the boat to a safe stop.
"The Sarasota Marine Unit is honored to be recognized by NASBLA. Just two weeks prior to this incident, my partner, Officer Mike Skinner, and I had the opportunity to attend NASBLA’s Enhanced Vessel Operator Course in Port Charlotte, Florida—and it proved invaluable," said Officer Ron Dixon. "The skills and tactics we learned during that training were directly applied in managing the runaway vessel that was occurring in real-time. The outcome speaks for itself: no injuries, no damage to either vessel, and a safe resolution. This incident reinforces the critical importance of ongoing, scenario-based training, and we are grateful to NASBLA for providing it."
NASBLA is proud to recognize Officer Ron Dixon, the vessel operator in this successful intervention. In addition to his service with the Sarasota Police Department, Officer Dixon is a credentialed instructor for NASBLA’s Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Program.
“Instructors like Officer Ron Dixon exemplify the mission and impact of NASBLA’s BOAT Program,” said Courtney Livingston, NASBLA BOAT Program Director. “These are professionals who bring their training and experience to life every day on the water. The caliber of the instructors in this Program is its greatest strength, and we are fortunate to have such dedicated and capable individuals advancing our mission.”
This incident is a powerful reminder of the critical importance of wearing a life jacket and using an engine cut-off switch every time you’re underway. These simple, lifesaving steps can prevent incidents and reduce risk to everyone on the water.
NASBLA congratulates the Sarasota Police Department and all participating agencies for their professionalism and success in safely resolving this dangerous incident.