Key Takeaways
- A 6-year-old boy with autism, named Coco, was rescued from a pond on Christmas Day by Florida police.
- This incident occurred fewer than 18 months after a similar event led to Coco being enrolled in swimming lessons.
- Coco is nonverbal and has a known attraction to water, which posed a significant risk to his safety.
- Authorities urge families of children with autism or special needs to use multiple layers of protection, including door alarms, secure fencing, and wearable tracking devices.
- The incident highlights the importance of vigilance and preparation in preventing accidents involving children with special needs.
Introduction to the Incident
A dramatic rescue operation was carried out by Florida police on Christmas Day, saving the life of a 6-year-old boy with autism, named Coco. The boy was found in chest-deep waters in a pond, and thanks to the swift action of the police, he was rescued unharmed. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office shared a news release on Friday morning, detailing the events surrounding the rescue. Deputies in a sheriff’s helicopter played a crucial role in locating Coco, and video footage shared by the sheriff’s office shows the police searching the area before the helicopter crew spots him in the water.
Coco’s Background and Previous Incident
Coco is nonverbal and has a known attraction to water, which poses a significant risk to his safety. In August 2024, Coco, then 5, escaped his home through a second-story door, triggering an alarm that alerted his family to call the police. At the time, Coco’s family reported that he was attracted to water, and unfortunately, he was found clinging to a branch in a pond in his Deltona neighborhood. Volusia County Sheriff’s Deputy Wes Brough rescued Coco and carried him to dry land, where he was medically cleared and returned to his family. Following this incident, Coco started swimming lessons, and his family took steps to improve precautionary measures on their house, including installing door alarms and having Coco wear a GPS tracker at all times.
The Rescue Operation
The recent rescue operation was a testament to the quick thinking and decisive action of the Florida police. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a missing child, and deputies in a sheriff’s helicopter were deployed to search for Coco. The helicopter crew played a vital role in locating Coco, and their imagery shows the boy standing in the pond. The police were able to rescue Coco, and despite being cold, he was unharmed. The sheriff’s office praised the efforts of the deputies involved in the rescue operation and expressed relief that Coco was back home safe.
Importance of Precautionary Measures
The incident highlights the importance of vigilance and preparation in preventing accidents involving children with special needs. Authorities urge families of children with autism or special needs to use multiple layers of protection, including door alarms, secure fencing, and wearable tracking devices. These measures can help prevent children from wandering off and getting into dangerous situations. The sheriff’s office emphasized that it is crucial for families to be proactive in taking steps to ensure their child’s safety, and they are willing to work with families to provide guidance and support.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The rescue of Coco on Christmas Day is a heartwarming story that highlights the bravery and quick thinking of the Florida police. However, it also serves as a reminder of the risks faced by children with autism and special needs. The incident underscores the importance of taking precautionary measures to prevent accidents and ensuring that children with special needs are safe and protected. As the sheriff’s office said, "Most importantly, we’re just glad he’s back home safe." The story of Coco’s rescue will hopefully raise awareness about the importance of safety measures for children with special needs and encourage families to take proactive steps to protect their loved ones.