Woman Who Couldn’t Swim Jumps Into Lake to Save 11-Year-Old Girl

An 11-year-old girl in Florida was reunited with the woman who rescued her from a lake after she slipped into the water at a local park.

Mia Garcia was collecting shells with her younger sister at Lakes Park in Fort Myers when she accidentally fell into the lake. She struggled to get out and began screaming for help.

Her cries were heard by Bridgett Addison, who was nearby. Although Addison could not swim, she immediately ran toward the water to help.

“I looked over, I saw her in the water. So I just ran,” Addison told local television station WBBH.

Addison managed to reach Mia and help her toward the embankment. The rescue was difficult, and Addison said she repeatedly slipped while trying to pull the girl out, leaving her with cuts and scrapes.

Mia later described how frightened she had been in the water, saying she felt as though an alligator might swim toward her and drag her underneath.

Mia’s grandmother, Dawn Louchart, said the family had taught Mia from a young age to scream for help when she was in danger. She said Mia’s cries ultimately helped bring Addison to her aid.

Several days after the rescue, Mia and Addison met again at the park.

When Mia saw the woman who had helped save her, she ran toward her and hugged her. Addison brought balloons, a stuffed animal and a handwritten card for the girl.

“I’m so happy to know you’re okay,” Addison told Mia during the reunion.

Addison has repeatedly said she does not consider herself a hero. She explained that she simply believes people should help when they see someone in distress.

Mia, however, had a different view.

“She is a hero, she just is,” the 11-year-old said.

The two also exchanged handwritten cards during their reunion. Mia thanked Addison for what she had done, while Addison reminded the girl how special she was.

The story was subsequently reported by several U.S. news outlets and CNN Newsource, with footage showing the emotional reunion between Mia and the woman who had rushed to her aid.

Sources:
PEOPLE – Woman Who Can’t Swim Saved 11-Year-Old
WBBH – 11-year-old reunites with her hero
CBS12 – Florida woman who can’t swim saves girl from drowning