Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau

Pinellas Suncoast Fire Rescue

Michael Andrews (Victim)
DOB: 04/02/2013
Address: 4816 23^rd Avenue South, St. Petersburg

Habib Hanze (Off Duty Detention Deputy)
Age: 28-Years-Old
Employment: Detention Deputy- Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

Janesha Simmons (Mother of the Victim)
DOB: 10/20/1992
Address: 4816 23^rd Avenue South, St. Petersburg

What:
Pinellas deputies are investigating the near drowning of a 3-year-old boy after an off duty Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office corrections deputy pulled the unresponsive boy from a pool in a water park and performed CPR, saving the boy’s life.

When:
The near drowning occurred at about 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 13, 2016.

Where:
The incident occurred at the Splash Harbor Water Park located at 321 2^nd Street in Indian Rocks Beach.

Why/How:

According to deputies, 3-year-old Michael Andrews was found by a witness floating motionless under the water in the lazy river at the Splash Harbor Water Park in Indian Rocks Beach. Off duty Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Detention Deputy, Habib Hanze was frequenting the water park when he heard the witness calling for help. Hanze responded and helped to pull Andrews out of the pool.

Hanze determined that Andrews was unresponsive and was not breathing so he immediately started CPR.

Hanze continued with CPR until he successfully resuscitated Andrews.   

Paramedics responded and treated Andrews at the scene. Andrews was transported to All Children’s Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Deputies determined that the child’s mother had lost sight of Andrews for six to seven minutes. She thought that Andrews was being supervised by another family member at the waterpark. 

Deputies do not suspect foul play or negligence in this case.