[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 158 (Thursday, October 18, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF A YOUNG HERO, JAZMYNE ROBINSON

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 18, 2007

  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
a special young hero in my district.
  Jazmyne Robinson is only nine years old, yet when she found her two 
year old brother floating face down in the family swimming pool, she 
had the presence of mind to call her father for help and then 
immediately dial 911. Keeping her composure, she gave her address to 
the operator and remained on the phone until help arrived.
  The unconscious two year old was rushed to Joe DiMaggio Children's 
Hospital at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, where he made a 
full recovery after one month in a coma.
  It is important that Jazmyne is recognized not only for her heroism, 
but so that her life-saving actions can set an example for others. 
Touched by Jazmyne's heroic deed, and her baby brother's miraculous 
recovery, the Baby Otter Swim School in Fort Lauderdale presented the 
family with a gift package of free swim lessons and two water safety 
DVD's. The surviving toddler is no longer afraid of the water and loves 
to swim.
  Unfortunately, not every story has a happy ending. The Center for 
Disease Control estimates that nine people die every day due to 
unintentional drowning. It is the second leading cause of death for 
children ages one to fourteen, and in California, Arizona and Florida, 
it is the number one cause of death in children under five.
  The importance of drowning prevention and swimming pool safety cannot 
be emphasized enough. We must all work together to dramatically lower 
the drowning statistics in the United States and around the world. 
Jazmyne Robinson is an example that no one is too young or too small to 
benefit from pool safety and drowning education. Her heroic efforts 
were rewarded with a medal of honor from the Baby Otter Swim School at 
a ceremony with the Pembroke Pines Mayor and Broward County 
Commissioners.
  Last week, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1721, The 
Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, a bill that I sponsored 
which seeks to prevent incidents like the one that would have taken the 
life of Jazmyne's brother had it not been for her heroism. Our nation 
is touched by Jazmyne's courage and fast action.

                          ____________________