Jake Sonnier US Navy Rescue Swimmer

We are joined this episode of The Coastal Athlete Program Podcast by Jake Sonnier US Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer, crew chief, fisherman, and all around bad ass to talk about his career as a water rescue professional. Jake talks about his aquaphobia and fear of heights, and how he refused to let them deter him from becoming a Rescue Swimmer. Schep and Jake discuss jet fins vs rocket fins, shark encounters, and Jake shares some of his stories about flying in the Florida Keys.

Water Rescue Professionals are often perceived as fearless superheroes when in reality many of us struggle with phobias and pain just like everyone else. The life also calls us away to stand duty, often times costing us valuable time with the ones we love. We went there in this episode, and we thank Jake for his candor.

Many active duty Rescue Swimmer s never get the opportunity to actually ply their craft in a civilian rescue scenario. In 2017 Petty Officer Sonnier got the chance to do just that, and the story is electrifying. Imagine being afraid of heights swinging from a helicopter in a storm, down onto a shrimp boats, surrounded by hungry sharks. This is an all-timer folks, you won’t want to miss it!