ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — A new marine tool used by the St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue personnel helped three kayakers in distress off the southern tip of Pass-a-Grille.

On Friday afternoon, the extensive training ahead of the Spring Break season paid off when a trio became exhausted during their kayak trip.

A resident from Point Pass-a-Grille Condominiums saw them struggling against the strong tide and called the fire department for help. Among the three was a first-time kayaker who didn’t know how to swim. The trio had been struggling in the water for well over an hour.

Crews arrived and launched the Lite Marine 22, a specialized Jet ski with a custom rescue float ramp, from the beach near 4th Avenue.

Operator Lt. Jason Wing and Rescue Swimmer Lauren Garceau met with the kayakers and brought them all to safety.

“The Kayakers were so appreciative and even visibly emotional with relief that they thanked Lauren Garceau and Lt. Wing over and over,” St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue said.

Crews said this powerful new tool extends the reach of their fire personnel, and applauded the training and preparation that resulted in a happy family reunion.