In a heart-stopping moment captured on video, Osceola county deputies rescued a 7-year-old girl with autism after she was found struggling in a neighbor’s pool. The incident, which occurred in May, highlights the critical importance of constant supervision and safety measures around water for children, especially those with special needs.
The girl’s mother, Melissa Manning, had briefly stepped inside to start a load of laundry when she realized her daughter was no longer in sight. Manning’s daughter, who has autism, was known to be drawn to water, prompting an immediate search effort.
The search effort that saved a life
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office swiftly mobilized resources, including drones for aerial surveillance and K-9 units for ground search. The Sheriff’s Tactical Aviation Response (STAR) unit played a pivotal role in locating the girl, who had made her way into a neighbor’s pool.
“To the rescue comes our helicopter, our STAR unit, and they spot her in a neighbor’s pool and get the deputies to her, and luckily, the girl was OK,” said Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Kimberly Montes. Deputies rushed to the scene and pulled the little girl out of the pool just in time.
The critical role of technology and training
The successful rescue underscores the value of advanced technology and specialized training in law enforcement. The use of drones and helicopters provided a bird’s-eye view, while the K-9 units offered ground support, creating a comprehensive search strategy.
“Knowing how to swim does not eliminate the dangers associated with water,” emphasized the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards around water, even for those who know how to swim.
A family’s gratitude and a lesson learned
Melissa Manning expressed her profound gratitude to the deputies and first responders for their quick and professional actions. “I just appreciate how calm and patient and thorough and just asking questions that I wouldn’t have thought to answer and being patient when I kind of struggled,” Manning said.
In the aftermath of the incident, Manning enrolled her daughter in Project Lifesavera program that provides tracking devices for children with autism and other individuals who may be prone to wandering. This initiative helps first responders locate them more quickly in emergencies.
The family’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of constant supervision and the implementation of safety measures around water. The coordinated efforts of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and the advanced technology used in the search highlight the critical role of law enforcement in ensuring the safety of the community.
