Sarasota officer's bravery recognized for marine rescue

The International Union of Police Associations on July 11 recognized the bravery of Sarasota Police Marine Unit Officer Michael Skinner, who saved a boater in distress on May 3, 2024.

Skinner was awarded a letter, a certificate and a plaque by IUPA President Sam A. Cabral for his efforts in response to a boater in distress call.

The entire incident was captured on Skinner's body-worn camera. 

At 12:30 p.m. on May 3, Skinner received a distress call regarding an unmanned vessel circling in the Intracoastal Waterway near Channel Marker 72, close to Phillippi Creek, according to a Sarasota Police Department report. 

Arriving on the scene, Skinner observed a boat slowly making circles, with an unconscious man lying face down on the deck.

Skinner maneuvered his police vessel to intercept the boat, wedging the unmanned boat against a seawall to bring it to a stop, the report states. Skinner then boarded the vessel and shut down its engine. 

Sarasota County Fire Department was on standby along the seawall and provided medical aid to the individual, later identified as the boat owner. The owner was semi-conscious and received vital medical attention and was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital. He is expected to make a full recovery, according to the report.

Sarasota Police Marine Unit officers advocate and educate boaters in the area on the importance of wearing an emergency cutoff switch.

In his letter, President Cabral stated, “You expertly intercepted the boat, wedging it against the seawall with your boat, climbing onboard, and shutting down the engine. Sarasota County Fire Department was on standby at the seawall and because of your actions, they were able to provide medical aid that saved his life.

“On behalf of the whole of the I.U.P.A., you have our thanks and commendation for your exemplary service. You are a true hero and a reminder of why officers put on their uniforms each and every day.”

This article has been updated to correct the reference to the Sarasota County Fire Department.