Beach Patrol keeps Clearwater swimmers safe

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Seven days a week, the Clearwater Beach Patrol scans the Gulf Coast waters for swimmers in trouble. 

Perched on six lifeguard towers along Clearwater Beach, the Beach Patrol staff’s daily duties range from rescuing bathers in distress to CPR and first aid for beachgoers. 

To keep their skills at top level, the Beach Patrol drills every morning.  Clearwater Beach Patrol supervisor Patrick Bradford knows the importance of being prepared for anything. “Our job relies on us being proactive, getting to people before they put themselves in a harmful or risky situation.”

SkyFOX Drone pilot John Wright and chief photographer Rick Hardman joined the lifeguards recently as they drilled in ocean rescue and using their watercraft for offshore rescues.  Watch the video for a bird’s-eye view of these life-savers in action.