A father-son duo’s reckless Everglades adventure without basic supplies forced taxpayers to fund a dangerous nighttime helicopter rescue, exposing how poor personal responsibility burdens our first responders and public resources.
Story Highlights
- Father and son stranded barefoot in Big Cypress swamp after ATV ran out of gas
- Pair called 911 reporting alligators nearby, no food, water, or proper footwear
- Collier County Sheriff’s Office conducted risky nighttime helicopter hoist rescue
- Incident highlights pattern of unprepared recreationists burdening emergency services
Dangerous Rescue Operation in Treacherous Conditions
On December 9, 2025, Collier County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit conducted a high-risk nighttime helicopter rescue in Big Cypress National Preserve after a father and son became stranded in a remote swamp. The pair’s ATV ran out of fuel and became stuck in a deep mud hole, leaving them barefoot without food, water, or basic survival equipment. Deputies used thermal imaging technology to locate the stranded men in the vast 720,000-acre preserve and executed a dangerous hoist operation in darkness.
The father’s 911 call revealed the gravity of their situation, with him stating “Alligators are hungry” while reporting their vulnerable condition. The men had lost shoes in the mud and attempted to start a fire for warmth as nightfall approached. This rescue operation put highly trained aviation personnel at significant risk, requiring precise maneuvering in challenging swamp conditions where one mistake could have resulted in multiple casualties.
Taxpayer-Funded Consequences of Poor Planning
This incident represents a troubling pattern of recreational users venturing into dangerous federal lands without proper preparation, then expecting government rescue when their poor decisions create emergencies. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office regularly conducts similar search and rescue operations in Big Cypress and Everglades areas, diverting valuable resources from other law enforcement duties. Each helicopter rescue operation costs thousands of dollars in fuel, equipment, and personnel time that taxpayers ultimately bear.
The Big Cypress National Preserve spans 720,000 acres of challenging terrain with unpaved roads and trails that become impassable in wet conditions. Despite clear warnings from the National Park Service and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission about carrying adequate supplies, many visitors continue ignoring basic safety protocols. This irresponsible behavior forces emergency responders to risk their lives correcting others’ preventable mistakes.
Federal Land Management and Personal Responsibility
Big Cypress National Preserve, established in 1974, allows off-road vehicle recreation in designated areas while protecting the fragile Everglades ecosystem. However, incidents like this raise questions about whether stricter regulations or mandatory safety briefings should be required for ATV users. The area hosts approximately 1.3 million American alligators and presents genuine dangers including hypothermia, dehydration, and wildlife encounters, especially for unprepared individuals.
Previous similar incidents demonstrate this is not an isolated case of poor judgment. In 2023, hunters required rescue after getting lost during a storm, and in 2021, another ATV rider needed emergency assistance after becoming stuck without supplies. These recurring emergencies suggest some recreational users expect government bailouts rather than taking personal responsibility for their safety in remote wilderness areas.
Sources:
Naples News – Father, son were stranded in Everglades without food or water
