The last time Faisal Farooq saw Orlando firefighter Todd Tinetti, he was saving his daughter's life. Both Farooq and Tinetti were at the Lake Nona Aquatic Center at Laureate Park on Friday, June 1, enjoying the pool with their families. There is no lifeguard on duty at the private pool. Farooq said he took his son to the bathroom for just a couple of minutes and his wife thought their 4-year-old daughter, Ayra, was with him. But Farooq said she was still in the pool -- floating face down in the shallow end.
Farooq said he was stunned and unable to help his daughter. That is when Tinetti jumped in. He said his training and parental instincts took over. Ayra was taken to Nemours Children's Hospital. Dr. Gul Dadlani, a pediatric cardiologist, said Tinetti's quick actions saved her life.
Orlando Fire said swimming safety is a top priority, especially during the summer months. On average, there are more than 3,500 fatal drownings in the U.S. per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Officials said one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger.