By Jim Brown
jim@peicanada.com

Bria Doucet barely stands two feet tall. She could easily drown in water that wouldn’t reach the chest of an adult.

And if it weren’t for the actions of her cousin, the two-year-old girl likely would have. The Montrose youngster flashed a shy smile before burying her face in the chest of her rescuer, seven-year-old Keana Jeffery.

The two were surrounded by dozens of family members and friends at the Rodd Mill River Resort’s Aquaplex in the early afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 26.

Keana saved her cousin’s life after Bria had wandered into an inflatable pool. Keana climbed a ladder to grab the toddler’s head and keep it above water until help arrived.

They were at the home of Jennifer Jeffery, the first cousin of Bria’s mom, Brandy Doucet.

The near-tragedy happened at a family gathering on Aug. 1 in Christopher Cross. Dozens of people attended the get-together.

On Thursday Keana Jeffery was recognized for her alertness and quick action by the Canadian Red Cross, whose representatives presented her with the prestigious Rescuer Award. 

The honour is bestowed on children who, without first aid or other training - intervene to save a life, prevent further injury or comfort the injured.

Keana was also offered free participation next summer in the Red Cross’s water safety day camps, held every year for Island children in several communities throughout PEI.

Bria’s mom acknowledged she would never be able to repay Keana for what she did.

“I’m a very lucky person, I’m related to a seven-year-old hero. I can never repay her (even if) I buy her Christmas gifts every day for the rest of her life,” said Brandy Doucet.

“We have a wonderful family. People are just so happy about Bria and so grateful to Keana,” she said.

“Most of the people here today were at the barbecue (when the incident occurred). For them it really hit close to home, they realized how fast it could happen.”

Family members were so close to the pool, as close as just 15 feet, and yet they would never have known Bria was struggling for her life if Keana hadn’t passed by.

“It could have been so tragic, because they didn’t know to look at the pool,” said Brandy.

In addition to the Red Cross certificate, The Rodd Mill River Resort presented to the children involved in the incident a three month membership at the pool and swimming lessons.

Aileen Nauss, water safety technical associate with the Red Cross, said the Atlantic Region had already witnessed a terrible toll of water-related fatalities this year, at 33, and she was overjoyed one more had been averted.

Among the attendees was provincial Fisheries Minister Neil LeClair.