Due to heavy boat traffic on Lake Mary the water was choppy.  At times, the waves were as high as 18".  A wave washed up over the bow of the vessel.  Officer observed a person jump into the water.  Immediately thereafter observed two others jump into the water.  Officer thought they were jumping into the water to go swimming.  Within seconds it was obvious the persons in the water could not swim as they were frantically trying to stay afloat.  Officers immediately responded to the distressed person in the water.  As officers approached the scene Officer observed two males and possible a third in the water off to the starboard side of the police boat.  The males did not appear as distressed and in need of immediate assistance as the three females.  Immediately to the front of the boat Officer observed three females, two juveniles and an adult and one adult male in the water.  Officer observed an adult female standing in the bow of the boat looking as if she may jump into the water.  The distressed boat had taken on water and was starting to sink lower in the water.  Officer hollered to the female in the boat to sit down and stay in the boat.  The female sat down on the set located in the bow the highest point in the boat.  The males to the starboard side of the police boat did not appear as distressed and in need of immediate assistance as the females.  Officer decided to continue toward the three females and adult in the water to the front of the police boat.  As officers tried to get a hold of the male he went under the water and sank out of sight in about 12' of water.
Village of Twin Lakes