Scary incident in Biloxi serves as a water safety reminder

We’re diving into Memorial Day Weekend that means more people will be in and around the water.
Yesterday there was a big scare for a group on the coliseum pier in Biloxi, where a man fell off a jet ski and appeared to be drowning.
“I never want to see anything like that again ever.” Terrifying moments for Teresa Davis, who dialed 911 after a man fell off his jet ski and appeared to be drowning by the Coliseum Pier in Biloxi Thursday.
Biloxi resident Michelle Solomon said, “The one gentleman said someone was drowning and that’s when we walked down to look.”
When Biloxi police arrived the man was taken to the hospital. The man turned out to be okay without injuries. Part of the group who was on the pier at the time, Michelle Solomon says the owner of the business the man was renting the jet ski from should have a plan in place if a situation like this takes a turn for the worse. “The owner came over and talked to us and said he didn’t have any walkie-talkies or nothing to see what was going on.”
Other spots, like Biloxi Beach Jet Ski Rental, know the dangers of the water and have an assigned safety ride who keeps a walkie-talkie on him in case of an emergency.
According to first responders, emergencies around the water are on the upstream during the Memorial Day Holiday. “Historically, we’ve had drownings during this period of time.”
Harrison County Fire Chief Pat Sullivan says you should always be aware of the environment you’re swimming in, keep a flotation device handy and make sure someone in the group knows CPR. “We always see accidents where people dive into water that’s too shallow. Also, swim with a buddy, always have someone there with you. Don’t swim by yourself and not have anybody close enough to help you,” said Chief Sullivan.
If you do plan on taking a jet ski out this weekend, it’s important that you take the proper precautions. According to DMR, the water is going to be choppy this weekend so go slow, wear a life vest, and always keep safety first.