Video: Father, Daughter Found Treading Water After Falling Off Jet Ski

THONOTOSASSA, FL — A father and his 13-year-old daughter were rescued Saturday after falling off a jet ski at Baker Creek Park in Thonotosassa Saturday and treading water in the dark for nearly an hour.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office was called after Christopher Snow, 31, and his daughter, Alexis Snow, failed to return from a jet ski outing on the lake. After falling off the jet ski, the jet ski sank into the lake, leaving them with no way to get to shore.

The father and daughter left the dock on the jet ski around 6:50 p.m. When they hadn't arrived back at the dock or answered calls by 8 p.m., Snow's girlfriend, Carolyn Joyce, sought help from Hillsborough County sheriff's Deputy Kevin Reich, who was conducting routine surveillance in the area.

A family who lived nearby offered to take Reich out on their boat to search for the father and daughter while they awaited assistance from sheriff's marine and aviation units.

"The swift response of our deputy and the assistance provided by the community played a crucial role in the successful rescue of Christopher and Alexis Snow," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "We are relieved that they were returned to shore safely and without any injuries. It is scary to imagine what could have happened had this father and daughter not been wearing their life jackets."

"I want to thank both the boaters that helped and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office for being on patrol and noticing something wasn't right," said Christopher Snow. "My life jacket wasn't sized properly, so this is a good reminder to make sure yours is fitted correctly."

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office reminds residents to always carry cell phones in case of an emergency.

Those interested in learning more about proper water safety protocols can contact the sheriff's marine unit at 813-247-8200.