Canoers rescued on Lake Consuella in Floral City

Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR)

Floral City, Florida - Over the April 5 - 6, 2025 weekend, first responders were dispatched to Lake Consuella in Floral City, due to a report that a vessel was possibly sinking.

Crews with the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) and Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR) arrived at the reported location to find a canoe, submerged in the water, approximately 100 to 150 yards from shore, with two people clinging to the overturned vessel, and no life vests in sight.

While waiting for the CCSO Marine 5 Unit from Hernando, firefighters prepared to swim life vests out to the boaters, but when several large alligators surfaced nearby, that plan was scrapped!

Firefighters located a small pedal boat at a nearby property and used it to reach the stranded individuals. At the same time, Citrus County Sheriff's Office deputies also found a pedal boat and assisted with the rescue.

One person was pulled to shore by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office, while the other person was fitted with a life vest and brought to shore by a pedal boat.

After being evaluated by CCFR Rescue 5 personnel, both boaters declined further medical treatment. One of the rescued boaters shared with rescuers that they'd been treading water for nearly an hour before help arrived.

Once everyone was safe, CCFR Engine 24 personnel retrieved the canoe.

CCFR cautions boaters to always wear a life vest when out on the water!