She Couldn't Swim, But Went Into the Water Anyway to Save An 11-Year-Old Girl

A woman who had never learned to swim saved an 11-year-old girl who fell into a lake—talk about a selfless act! In that moment, Bridgett Addison didn’t give it a second thought, bravely jumping in the water to save Mia Garcia, a Florida resident.

Woman Who Can’t Swim Saves an 11-Year-Old Girl

 "I looked over, I saw her in the water. So I just ran,” said Bridgett.

Mia has autism and was told to scream when she needed help. She knew how to swim, but the water was so full of slime that she could not climb up the embankment. She had been collecting shells with her sister when she fell in.

RELATED: 13-Year-Old Jumps Into Lake to Save Child Stuck Under the Dock

“I felt like an alligator was going to come swim to me and drag me under the water,” Mia said.

Bridgett heard Mia screaming and pulled her out of the water. In the process, Bridgett fell down several times, which caused her legs to get “skinned up.”

But it was all worth it for Bridgett to help the young girl.

Hero Says You Should Always ‘Help Somebody’ If You Can

“I don’t care who they are, what their color…what their disability… I don’t care. If you can do it, go and help somebody,” Bridgett said. “That’s my only thing.”

Several days after the accident, Bridgett visited Mia with balloons and stuffed animals.

“I’m so happy to know you’re okay!” she told Mia through tears.

RELATED: 75-Year-Old Man Has Been Lifeguarding the Same New Jersey Stretch of Beach Since 1968

They each gave each other handwritten cards.

Mia drew a picture of herself and Bridgett holding hands.

“Thank you isn’t enough for what you did,” she wrote in the card.

Bridgett wrote on her card to Mia, “I wanted you to know how very special you are. Continue being the beautiful person God has created you to be.”

She’ll Always be a Hero to the Girl

Mia said Bridgett “is a hero, she just is. [She] probably doesn't see that."

Bridgett believes she was just doing the right thing.

“I feel like if you see anybody in distress, help them,” she said.

Bridgett was so selfless to jump into that lake knowing that she couldn’t swim. She risked her own safety to help Mia, and the 11-year-old will surely never forget it!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Mom and Stranger Save Small Child After Car Plunges Into a Marina

WATCH: She Couldn't Swim, But Went Into the Water Anyway to Save An 11-Year-Old Girl

LISTEN: Young Boy Found a Missing Wedding Ring, and Returns it To Owner | A Wedding, a Storm, and a Coffee Shop Owner Who Showed Up

h/t: People

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/CBS 12 News - WPEC

Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.