Off-Duty JFRD Firefighter Swims Out to Rescue Three Young Boaters After Boat Capsizes Near Big Talbot Island

Firefighter Otto Scherick was celebrating his girlfriend’s birthday with a day outdoors, walking a trail to the beach with her and her dog, when he heard people screaming for help. He ran down to the shore and saw the boaters waving from the overturned boat offshore.

Scherick swam out to them. Reading the current and conditions, he convinced the boaters their best chance was to swim back to shore. With no life jackets on board, he disconnected the boat’s gas tank to use as a float and helped them swim in. A bystander also swam out and stayed with the group the entire way back.

The first call came in at about 10:47 a.m. Callers estimated the boaters were as far as 800 yards from shore. By 11:14 a.m., all three were safely back on land, where the C shift crew from JFRD Engine 66 met them. No injuries were reported.

“Otto heard a call for help and ran toward it,” said JFRD Director/Fire Chief Percy Golden II. “He didn’t have a radio, a crew, or any equipment, just his training and good judgment, and that was enough to bring three people to safety. That’s exactly who we want wearing this uniform. We’re proud of him and grateful he stepped up.”

JFRD reminds boaters to wear a life jacket every time they are on the water. If you see someone in trouble, call 911 right away and throw them something that floats. Only go in after them if you are trained to do so.