Sergeant Jumps Into Water To Rescue 72-Year-Old Man Who Fell From Wheelchair Into Marina

A sheriff’s sergeant jumped into a marina to rescue a 72-year-old man who had fallen from his wheelchair and was clinging to a pipe to keep his head above water.

Deputies responded around 8:55 p.m. to a report of a possible drowning at a marina on North Peninsula Avenue after a caller reported hearing a splash and a man yelling for help.

The area was behind a locked gate. Sgt. Leven was the first on scene and discovered the man in the water.

Sgt. Leven jumped in with a buoy and helped float the man to safety.

The 72-year-old was evaluated by the City of New Smyrna Beach Fire Department and declined further medical attention.