One family is going home with a unique souvenir from their trip to Anna Maria Island.
At the Anna Maria City Commission meeting April 26, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Mike Jones presented Nicholas Costa, 7, with a certificate of recognition for saving his brother’s life.
Jones said the Costa family arrived April 22 in Anna Maria from New Hampshire to stay at a vacation rental on South Bay Boulevard.
After arriving, Jeff Costa went to the pool deck to set up a pool table game. Jake followed behind him unseen and went into the pool.
Jones said Nicholas spotted his brother “in severe danger” beneath the water’s surface and alerted his father. Jeff Costa dove in and rescued Jake, who was not breathing.
Family members performed CPR and revived Jake while emergency services responded to the call.
Along with the certificate, Jones presented Nicholas with a key chain shaped like a sheriff’s badge. Mother Jennifer Costa said he considers it a medal.
“Nick is pretty proud of himself,” Jennifer wrote April 27 in a text message. “He said when he saw Jake, he just reacted. He didn’t have time to think about anything.”
“It took him a few days to process what happened, but now he is a proud young man,” she wrote.
— Bianca Benedí