Sheriff's Volunteer Shallow Water Rescue Unit

The “Sheriff’s Volunteer Shallow Water Rescue Unit” is designed to utilize Hernando County citizens who own flat bottom boats, air boats, ATVs, utility vehicles, and/or trucks to assist in various shallow water rescue operations AFTER the immediate threat of severe weather conditions subside.

Volunteers would be called upon during times of coastal and/or inland flooding to assist the Sheriff’s Office with its evacuation and/or rescue efforts. By voluntarily completing an online volunteer application form, a citizen volunteer agrees to have an HCSO representative contact them for assistance if and when the need arises.

It should be noted that participation is voluntary in each instance and that all costs and responsibility resulting from participation will be borne by the volunteer. You must be a Hernando County resident and a background check will be performed on each applicant, prior to approval.

Follow the link below to complete the Level I Volunteer Application.

*In the section titled “Attachments” -> “Cover Letter” please type in Shallow Water Rescue and list what type of vehicle or equipment you may have that can assist in rescue efforts.

Apply Here

Information provided to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office for the program will be for official use only.

If you would like more information on the Shallow Water Recovery Unit, please call Community Volunteer Coordinator, Dan Santana, at 352-797-3632.