A Florida woman who cannot swim saved an 11-year-old girl from drowning in a lake at Lakes Park in Lee County over the weekend, according to official reports.
Florida Woman Saves Girl From Drowning: Incident Details
The rescue took place at Lakes Park, a popular recreational area in southwest Florida. According to local news coverage and statements provided by WBBH-TV in Fort Myers, Bridgett Addison noticed a child struggling in the water and acted immediately, despite not knowing how to swim herself.
Officials reported that the incident occurred when Mia Garcia, age 11, fell into the lake while collecting shells with her sibling. Witnesses said the child appeared to be in distress and unable to get back to shore. In a similar recent event, an 82-year-old Fort Pierce man tragically died after a lake rescue incident, underscoring the dangers present in Florida’s waterways.
Rescue Efforts at Lakes Park in Lee County
According to reports, Addison saw Garcia in the water and ran toward the lake. Despite her inability to swim, Addison entered the water to assist. She described her actions to WBBH-TV, stating she managed to pull the girl away from the deeper, slippery area and toward the embankment.
“When I looked over I saw her in the water. So I, I just ran,” Addison told reporters. She further explained that she struggled to maintain her footing on the slippery bank and sustained scrapes during the rescue.
Family Response and Community Reaction
Garcia’s grandmother, Dawn Louchart, expressed gratitude for Addison’s bravery. According to WBBH-TV, Louchart stated, “It shows a lot that there are good people out there, and she is one of them.” The family credited Addison’s quick response for preventing a tragedy at the park. In light of such incidents, Port St. Lucie residents have advocated for a manatee protection zone in the C-24 Canal to enhance water safety and protect both wildlife and people.
Officials have not reported any serious injuries to Garcia. Addison received minor scrapes during the rescue, but both individuals were able to leave the scene safely, according to local authorities.
Lake Safety and Drowning Prevention in Florida
Florida is known for its many lakes and waterways, making water safety a significant concern for residents and visitors. According to the Florida Department of Health, drowning is a leading cause of accidental death among children in the state.
Local officials encourage parents and guardians to supervise children closely near water and to provide swimming lessons when possible. The incident at Lakes Park highlights both the risks associated with Florida’s natural bodies of water and the importance of bystander intervention in emergencies. Efforts to improve safety continue across the state, such as calls for boating restrictions to safeguard manatees in the C-24 Canal, which also help reduce risks for swimmers and boaters alike.
Key Water Safety Tips
- Always supervise children near lakes, pools, and other bodies of water.
- Teach children basic swimming skills and water safety.
- Be aware of slippery surfaces and sudden drop-offs near lake embankments.
- Have emergency contacts and flotation devices accessible when visiting parks.
Official Response and Ongoing Awareness
According to official sources, no criminal investigation is underway, and the event is being recognized as a heroic act by a member of the public. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office and park officials remind visitors to remain vigilant and to seek help immediately if someone is in distress in the water.
Details about the incident may be updated as further information becomes available from local authorities. For additional water safety resources, residents can visit the Florida Department of Health Drowning Prevention page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Woman Saves Girl From Drowning
What happened at Lakes Park in Lee County involving a Florida woman and a young girl?
According to official reports, a Florida woman who cannot swim rescued an 11-year-old girl from drowning in a lake at Lakes Park. The woman entered the water and pulled the child to safety.
How did the Florida woman save the girl from drowning?
Officials stated that the woman saw the girl struggling in the water and jumped in, despite not knowing how to swim. She managed to lift the girl away from the slippery area and helped her up the embankment.
Are there other recent incidents of water rescues in Florida parks?
Florida has many lakes and waterways, and water rescues do occur throughout the state. Local authorities regularly remind the public about water safety and the importance of supervision near water.
Can you visit Lakes Park in Lee County safely?
Lakes Park is open to the public and is a popular spot for recreation. Visitors are encouraged to follow safety guidelines, supervise children, and be cautious near water to prevent accidents.
Where are the most common drowning risks in Florida?
Drowning risks are highest in natural bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and beaches, as well as residential pools. The Florida Department of Health recommends water safety education for all residents and visitors.
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