Boy with autism rescued from pond for second time, saved by Florida deputies on Christmas

DELTONA, Fla. (CBS12) — A 6-year-old boy with autism was rescued from a pond on Christmas night after wandering away from his home, marking the second time in five months that deputies have saved him from a dangerous situation involving water.

The child — known as Coco — was found standing in chest-deep water off Conyers Court around 6:30 p.m., according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office. Air One, VSO’s helicopter, spotted the boy and guided deputies to his location. Coco was cold but unharmed.

“Just head straight north, and you’ll run right into him,” a deputy on the helicopter said.

“This water’s really cold and he’s shaking. Hey buddy. Hey bud,” another deputy said on bodycam.

Deputies say Coco is nonverbal and drawn to water, which makes these incidents especially concerning.

In August 2024, CBS12 News previously covered that the boy was rescued from another pond near his neighborhood. After that incident, Coco began swimming lessons, and his family was advised to install additional safety measures and ensure he wears his AngelSense GPS tracker at all times.

See also: 7-year-old boy dies in drowning at community pool in Lake Worth Beach

Following this latest rescue, deputies spoke with the family again about reinforcing precautions to prevent future emergencies.

Authorities urge families of children with autism or special needs to use multiple layers of protection, including door alarms, secure fencing, and wearable tracking devices.

For Coco’s family, the most important outcome is clear: he’s back home safe on Christmas.