SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — A 20-year-old North Port lifeguard was arrested early Sunday morning on charges of sexual battery involving a 13-year-old girl, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office. Deputies believe there could be more victims.
WATCH: Parents react to North Port lifeguard's arrest:
Deputies said they found Ian J. Inman and the minor unclothed inside a black Toyota Scion that was illegally parked in the Manasota Key parking lot after posted hours at approximately 2:13 a.m. on Feb. 2.
An investigation determined that Inman and the minor had engaged in sexual activity, deputies said. Inman was charged with two counts of sexual battery on a minor between 12 and 18-years-old.
Inman is employed as a lifeguard for the City of North Port Aquatic Center.
The City of North Port released a statement to Fox 4:
"The City immediately terminated this individual’s employment Monday after being notified of the arrest.
We take the safety and security of all our patrons seriously. The City’s Human Resources Department conducts a Level 2 background check for this position, and as a part-time employee, this individual would not have had any one-on-one contact with children as part of his job.
We encourage anyone with concerns or information related to this individual to contact local law enforcement."
Inman was not assigned to instruct swim lessons, according to the city. He never received the proper certification to do so.
Inman remains in custody at the Sarasota County Correctional Facility, as of Tuesday afternoon.
The city said it conducts a fingerprint-based background check for lifeguards. Sarasota County court records show Inman received a speeding ticket in May of 2025. But there do not appear to be any other criminal cases against him.
Parents outside of the Aquatic Center were stunned to hear about Inman's arrest.
"I mean that's shocking," said Margarita Isakov. "You don't really know what to say to that because you never expect it to happen so close to home."
Zsuzsanna Rosero told FOX 4 she visits the Aquatic Center with her son during the summer. Rosero said Inman's arrest was concerning but that she always keeps an eye on her child.
"I guess you can call me protective," Rosero said. "You know, I would not let him come here by himself."
Shabriella Stephens spent Tuesday afternoon at the Butler Park Kids playground with her young son. Stephens said she planned to visit the Aquatic Center with her child once the weather warmed up.
Stephens said the incident was scary but it wouldn't stop her from going to the center.
"I'm very observant when it comes to my kids," Stephens said.
Anyone who believes they may be a victim of Inman is asked to contact the Special Victims Unit at (941) 861-4900.
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