Cape Coral Fire Department honors man who saved 2-year-old from drowning

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

A Cape Coral man is being credited with saving the life of a 2-year-old boy who nearly drowned after falling into a backyard swimming pool last November.

Doug Brown said he remembers the day clearly. On Nov. 14, while making lunch at his home, Brown heard screaming coming from behind his house. He ran toward the sound and entered a nearby home, where he found a toddler who had fallen into a pool and was not breathing.

A 911 call from the scene captured the panic of the moment, as a caller told dispatchers the child had fallen into the pool and initially was not breathing.

Brown said the child’s mother was holding him when he arrived.

“I walked in, and she was holding her child, and I was like, ‘Let me have him,’” Brown said. “Then I just started basic lifesaving and getting the water out.”

Brown said the child began breathing again — a moment he described as a miracle. He credited previous training for preparing him to act quickly and calmly.

He stayed with the family until first responders arrived, then stepped outside to meet them and returned the child to their care.

“I walked outside to meet the first responders,” Brown said. “They were in the door, they took over, and then I walked back.”

Afterward, Brown said he simply returned home to finish making his lunch.

Last week, the Cape Coral Fire Department recognized Brown for his actions. Jason Orellana, a community risk reduction specialist with the department, said Brown’s response made a life-saving difference.

“It was extremely heartwarming that he was able to save a child’s life,” Orellana said, “especially someone who was visiting our community.”

Brown said the recognition was flattering but overwhelming. He added that being prepared can make all the difference in emergencies.

“I couldn’t have done it without training,” Brown said. “And without the help of the Lord guiding me.”

Brown said he may never see the child or the family again, but he is grateful he was able to help save the toddler’s life.

CCFD offers free Family and Friends CPR classes and water safety presentations to help keep families safe.

For more information or to schedule a class, please visit the fire department's website here.

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