70Shares

Coral Springs Honors Heroes Who Saved Toddler from Drowning; Proclaims May as Water Safety Month

Marshia Robson, Duwix Brutus, Samantha Witty, Adan Witty and Jaciann Holgate accepted city recognition of their bravery from Coral Springs Commissioners, police and fire department. {City of Coral Springs}

By Gael-lynn Laguerre

On Wednesday, the Coral Springs commission recognized the brave actions of Adan Witty, Samantha Witty, Duwix Brutis, Marshia Rondon, and Jaciann Holgate for the lifesaving actions they took on Feb. 16, 2025, to save two-year-old Khari St. Victor from drowning.

The event occurred at the Avana pool clubhouse at 3600 Terrapin Ln, where two 11-year-old boys, Brutus and Witty, noticed the infant at the bottom of the pool. After initially being impressed by the small child who could hold their breath so long underwater, feelings of horror settled as they noticed a decrease in bubbles rising to the surface.

Immediately realizing the gravity of the situation and that no adults noticed, Brutus dove into the water and desperately attempted to reach Khari. Despite being a beginner swimmer and having failed his first attempt, Brutus could finally grab the child, Adan, and then dove in himself to help bring Khari to the surface. The two yelled, “Whose kid is this?” until the victim’s mother ran towards and grabbed him.

Paralyzed with shock, the child’s distraught mother was unable to provide care. Bystander Samantha Witty then took the child and began to provide backslaps. After those also being unsuccessful, Jaciann Holgate then took the child and started CPR. The group wisely moved the victim to the front of the complex, allowing first responders to avoid any delay in his lifesaving care once they arrive.

Noticing the commotion and no one had dialed 911, Rondon told her sister to call and provide the location address as she ran over to help. With courage and experience in nursing school, Rondon took Khari from his mother and began performing CPR. After nearly two rounds, the child began coughing and vomiting. Rondon turned him to his side, and his chest began to rise and fall with oxygen.

Due to bystanders’ quick thinking and bravery, Khari fully recovered from the tragic incident.

Whole Body Dietitian Nutriiton Counseling

“The courage, perceptiveness, and heroism displayed by everyone involved are truly admirable,” Coral Springs Police Chief Brad Mock told the five heroes. “We thank you all so much, you’re an inspiration.”

Commissioner Joseph McHugh also took the time to share his praise and empathized with the experience.

“As a former police officer who’s performed CPR several times throughout my whole career,” McHughs explained. “ I know the stress you were going through, and it’s an amazing, phenomenal, heartwarming story. We, the commission, are immensely proud for the courage you have displayed in making our city a safer place.”

The heroic individuals were each called to receive honorary police badges and special recognition from the City of Coral Springs.

Amidst the testimony, Coral Springs Police Chief Brad Mock and Fire Chief John Whalen also called for the city commission to proclaim May as “Water Safety Month” of Coral Springs.

The proclamation emphasizes the need for water safety measures, especially during the summer, and encourages residents to utilize local swimming programs.

“Drowning is the number one cause of death for children under four in Broward County and nationwide,” said Fire Department Chief John Whalen.

“Coral Springs was the first city to be awarded the Water Safety Community designation in Broward County due to our comprehensive commitment and local support that has served as a best practice model for other cities.”

The City Commission then successfully proclaimed and signed off on May 2025 to become “Water Safety Month” in Coral Springs.

Send Your News to Coral Springs’s #1 Award-Winning News Site Here. Don’t Miss Parkland Talk, Tamarac Talk, Coconut Creek Talk, Margate Talk, and Sunrise FL Talk.

Author Profile

Gael-Lynn Laguerre

Gael-Lynn Laguerre is a freelance journalist and 2024 graduate from Florida Atlantic University. She covers commission meeting recognitions and Coral Springs Features for Talk Media. Laguerre has also worked for the Palm Beach Post and as Copy Desk Chief for FAU's University Press.