Sarasota County Sheriff's Office - Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Press Releases

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Date: 4/30/2012

Released by : Wendy Rose

Press Release#: 12-081

Off-Duty Deputy Rescues Two Swimmers

Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight is commending a sergeant with the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office for rescuing two teenage swimmers off Siesta Key Beach yesterday.

Sgt. Steve Leavitt was off-duty and with his family near Beach Access 7 when he noticed two swimmers struggling in the strong current. A 15-year-old female was screaming for help and a 14-year-old male was sinking under water.

Leavitt quickly swam out to the young girl and brought her to shallow water, and then went about 75-yards out to rescue the 14-year old male swimmer and brought him to shore. Neither victim required medical attention following their rescue.

Leavitt has been with the Sheriff’s Office since August 2002 and is currently a supervisor in the Youth Services Section.

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IN THE NEWS

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