A six-year-old boy with autism was rescued from a pond on Christmas Day by Florida police, less than 18 months after a similar incident prompted his family to enroll him in swimming lessons.
The boy, identified by police as Coco, was found in chest-deep water, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release shared Friday morning. Deputies located the child with assistance from a sheriff’s helicopter.
Video released by the sheriff’s office shows officers searching for Coco before the helicopter crew spotted him in the water. police reported the child was cold but unharmed.
coco is nonverbal and has a known captivation with water, according to police.
In August 2024, Coco, then five years old, escaped his home through a second-story door, triggering an alarm and prompting a police search. His family reported at the time that he was drawn to water.
Volusia County Sheriff’s Deputy Wes Brough found Coco clinging to a branch in a pond in the Deltona neighborhood, the office said on social media at the time. Brough carried the boy to safety, where he was evaluated by medical personnel and reunited with his family.
Did you know?– Children with autism are more likely to wander, and bodies of water are a meaningful safety concern. Increased vigilance and preventative measures are crucial for families.
Following the August incident, Coco began taking swimming lessons, and deputies discussed additional safety measures with his family, including improving home security and utilizing a GPS tracker, according to the sheriff’s office.
Pro tip– Register your child with a safe return program. These programs help law enforcement quickly locate individuals who may wander, especially those with cognitive differences.
what precautions shoudl families take for children with autism and a tendency to wander? Authorities reccommend multiple layers of protection, including door alarms, secure fencing, and wearable tracking devices.
“most importantly, we’re just glad he’s back home safe,” the sheriff’s office said.
Reader question– What other community resources are available to support families with children who wander? Share your thoughts and experiences.
