Individual recovering after incident on Windermere's Lake Butler at Bird Island

An individual is recovering after a life-threatening incident on the town of Windermere's Lake Butler at Bird Island around 6 p.m. Saturday, May 28.

The individual on a Jet Ski was rescued by the Orange County Sheriff's Office Marine Units and transported to the hospital by the Ocoee Fire Rescue. 

Acting Ocoee Fire Chief Thomas Smothers said the call came in as an "unconscious person on a Jet Ski."

The individual was said to not be properly wearing a life jacket and was struggling to stay above water. 

Smothers said when the crews arrived, the patient was on shore with the police department and was conscious, although the individual appeared to be "extremely intoxicated."

Smothers said the rescue transported the individual to the emergency room for monitoring and evaluation.

Windermere Mayor Jim O'Brien said these types of serious incidents have grown more frequent with the increased activities at Bird Island, and illustrate the dangers of mixing alcohol and operating watercraft.

"I encourage all boaters on the Chain of Lakes to operate their watercraft safely and in a responsible manner, and not to mix the operating of a boat with the consumption of alcohol," O'Brien said. "These types of incidents endanger first responders and other boaters while tying up lifesaving emergency response resources."

The mayor said the town will continue to look for ways to protect all Butler Chain of Lakes users while also assisting the enforcement of laws and ordinances designed to make the often crowded lakes and island as safe as possible.

Those who see anyone in danger, intoxicated or operating a watercraft in a dangerous manner can call 9-1-1 to report.