12-Year-Old Girl With Down Syndrome Saves Her 3-Year-Old Sister From Drowning

A girl with Down syndrome is being called a hero after saving her 3-year-old sister from drowning in the family pool. Though everyone else in the Richardson family was ready to go inside after a swimming session, 12-year-old Carin wanted a little bit more time in the water. It was when her younger sister, Jac'Lynn, slipped out of the house and followed her that the family had their first safety scare in 16 years of owning a pool.

While Carin was getting ready to jump back into the pool, Jac'Lynn was trying to get into her swimming tube, when she fell right through it into the water. Without hesitating, Carin grabbed her goggles, jumped in after her, and brought her into the house to their mother, Tomarra. Jac'Lynn spent some time in the hospital but is doing fine now, and Carin couldn't be happier that she was able to help her sister.

Tomarra is hoping that this scary moment in their lives will relay a meaningful message to others: "Through this story I hope that people realize that even those with disabilities are capable of doing great things — including saving a life."