Agencies simulate water rescue to prepare for real emergencies

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) - Several Manatee County agencies spent the day running a marine search and rescue drill off Bean Point and Longboat Key.The exercise was treated like a real emergency, according to the crews.Agencies train togetherAgencies across Manatee County took part in the full-scale drill. Sgt. Joshua Betts of the Holmes Beach Marine Unit said it was the first year the agencies have done this specific training exercise.“It’s the first year we have done this training exercise, but it’s something we are wanting to do more often and more frequently because we want to be more proficient at it,” Betts said.Caught on Camera: Boat captain rescued in storm near Big PassDrill simulates real emergencyThe drill began with a simulated 911 call. Crews worked to pinpoint a last known location, launched boats off Bean Point and Longboat Key, and fanned out to search for a missing swimmer or boater.Betts said the training is meant to help crews make mistakes during drills rather than