CPR helps save West Palm Beach toddler after pool accident

A two-year-old girl who nearly drowned during a pool accident in West Palm Beach is alive today and reuniting with the first responders and hospital staff who helped save her life. Lennox reunited Saturday with firefighters, nurses, and doctors at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital weeks after she was found floating in a backyard pool during a busy Easter gathering. “This is Lennox now,” her family shared through videos shown at the reunion, swimming, smiling, and full of energy. But her family says the outcome could have been very different. “When Lennox arrived at the hospital, she was very sick,” said Cristal Calderon, charge nurse in the emergency department at Palms West Hospital. “We really didn't know if she was gonna make it that night.” Lennox’s mother, Chrissy, said the accident happened quickly while dozens of family members gathered at their home for Easter celebrations. “It was so quick, and nobody even noticed she was in there,” Chrissy said. Chrissy says knowing CPR may have saved her daughter’s life. “I put her on my kitchen floor, and I immediately started CPR on her until fire rescue got here,” she said. First responders say those first few minutes were critical. “Without that, it might have been a different outcome,” said Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Lieutenant Jason Frisbie. During Saturday’s emotional reunion, firefighters and hospital staff celebrated her recovery. “It’s such a blessing. It’s a miracle,” Frisbie said. “Truly a gift to be able to see her and hear her laugh and to hold her.” Hospital staff say reunions like this are rare. “A majority of the cases, it's not a good outcome,” Calderon said. The reunion comes as South Florida continues seeing multiple child drowning incidents. Just this week, a toddler drowned in a Port St. Lucie pool, and another child survived a near drowning after being pulled from a pond in Palm Beach Gardens. Experts say many drowning accidents happen during family gatherings when adults mistakenly assume someone else is watching the children. “Sometimes people assume that they're watching the children or other children,” Frisbie said. “Pool alarms. Door chimes. That can also be helpful.” But Lennox’s family says the biggest lesson they learned is the importance of CPR training. Following the reunion, Palms West Hospital hosted a hands-only CPR class for families and community members. Lennox’s family hopes other parents see their story as a wake-up call and learn CPR before they ever need it.