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NewsWSVN 7 News MiamiAugust 12, 2026Miami-Dade

Neighbors rescue autistic child from Port St. Lucie retention pond

Local residents intervened to rescue a 5-year-old boy with autism after he wandered away from his home and entered a retention pond on a Saturday morning. The child was recovered safely after approximately 10 minutes and was found to be physically unhurt, despite being covered in fire ants.

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Read the full story at WSVN 7 News Miami

Why It Matters

The incident highlights the increased drowning risk for children with autism, who are statistically 160 times more likely to drown than their peers.

Key Facts

  • A 5-year-old boy with autism wandered away from his home and entered a retention pond in Port St. Lucie.
  • The child was rescued by neighbors after approximately 10 minutes in the water.
  • The child was found to be physically unhurt, though he was covered in fire ants.
  • Individuals with autism are 160 times more likely to drown than their neurotypical peers.
  • The National Drowning Prevention Alliance emphasizes that children with autism are often drawn to water.

Who's Mentioned

locationPort St. Lucie“City where the incident occurred.”personMelinda Dryer“Good Samaritan who spotted and helped rescue the child.”other160“Statistical multiplier for drowning risk among autistic individuals compared to ”personAlissa Magrum“Executive director of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance.”organizationNational Drowning Prevention Alliance“Organization providing context on drowning risks for autistic individuals.”