Search
Close this search box.

South Walton Lifeguard saves sea turtle tangled in fishing line

South Walton Fire District Lifeguard Jack Nabers noticed a sea turtle in distress while on duty Sunday near Miramar Beach. According to the SWFD, Nabers paddled out to the turtle and found it entangled in an entire fishing pole, and was unable to move its right flipper. “Hook, line, pole and all,” wrote the SWFD. With […]

South Walton Fire District Lifeguard Jack Nabers noticed a sea turtle in distress while on duty Sunday near Miramar Beach. According to the SWFD, Nabers paddled out to the turtle and found it entangled in an entire fishing pole, and was unable to move its right flipper.

“Hook, line, pole and all,” wrote the SWFD.

With the help of bystanders, Nabers removed the fishing line using his medical supplies. Thankfully, the turtle was able to swim safely back out to sea with no apparent injuries.

If you listen closely to the video, you can also hear Nabers asking for help contacting Florida Fish & Wildlife (FWC) to alert them of the turtle’s condition.

“We encourage all beach patrons to Leave No Trace,” wrote the SWFD in a statement. “This situation could have been completely avoided.”

If you encounter a sick, injured or stranded sea turtle in South Walton, please call South Walton Turtle Watch at 850-865-4503 or *FWC for further assistance.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“This is so impressive - congratulations on such a successful and growing program”
Respond
“I spent a week on the Pilot diving. I loved the trip but was traveling solo so had no dive partner. I was not a real experienced diver either. One...”
Respond
“Bless you, your sons, and all involved in honoring your husband. The perfect example of unconditional love. Your care and efforts in helping others will not be forgotten. Wishing you...”
Respond
“Thank you for the wonderful article and exposure for our efforts helping local cancer patients know they are not alone!”
Respond
““… the caliber of vacationers “ You live somewhere that others find desirable and it has been discovered. Get over it.”
Respond
“Bitter are you .what matters is it's saved to be a part of history for thr Fort Walton Beach family's and tourist.i don't care who built it .it's up and...”
Respond
“I came to Destin in 1988 and I was so happy to have made the decision to raise my children here. But to be honest, ever since Peter Boss started...”
Respond
“It was an AMAZING show from our community, and we are so grateful to Dr Dugan and the rest of the guidance department for securing such a worthwhile event for...”
Respond
“this was not a easy task as i'm am one of troop 544 but it warms my heart that he was there in his warm hug from a trusted adult.”
Respond
“You wanted more stores, more people and you allow golf carts to move about freely, then you complain because you have created a nightmare. UNBELIEVABLE.”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.