ANNA MARIA – Sgt. Brett Getman, leader of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Anna Maria Unit, received the deputy of the month award for his role in the recent rescue of two swimmers at Bean Point. His actions also earned him an MCSO Life Saving Award.
An Oct. 10 media release issued by the sheriff’s office details the rescue efforts.
“On Aug. 9, Sergeant Brett Getman and Deputy Vincent Bowman were conducting a beach patrol when they were suddenly flagged down to assist two individuals who were being swept away by the strong current and clearly in distress. Sergeant Getman saw two men struggling against the current, 100 yards or more from the shore. Recognizing their immediate danger, Sergeant Getman promptly advised dispatch to contact the Marine Unit, the Coast Guard and Beach Patrol,” the media release says.
“Understanding the risk of drowning they faced, he removed his gear and entered the water while Deputy Bowman stayed on the shore as a spotter. Sergeant Getman swam out to one of the men, directing him to hold onto the float while keeping him alert. Together, they managed to swim back to the shore. When they reached the shore, Beach Patrol arrived and Sergeant Getman instructed them to take their board and assist the other individual who was still in the water trying to stay afloat. Ultimately, the second individual was rescued by Beach Patrol and the MCSO Marine Unit transported him to a nearby marina, where EMS met them. Both individuals were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment,” according to the media release. “In acknowledgment of his quick thinking, decisive actions and willingness to risk his own life to save another, Sergeant Brett Getman has been named MCSO’s Deputy of the Month for September 2025.”
The Aug. 9 events and a fatal Bean Point drowning later that month were among the recent swimming-related incidents that led Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short and the city commission to enact a short-lived no swimming zone at Bean Point. Due to enforcement concerns, the ‘no swim’ zone was discontinued. Signs placed along the Bean Point shoreline now warn swimmers of the dangerous currents and inform them that they swim at their own risk with no lifeguards present.
