A Marshall County family is hanging on to the word “miracle” after their 2-year-old son was pulled from the bottom of their backyard pool on Saturday, June 20, apparently after being underwater for at least five minutes. Relatives jumped in with CPR, managed to bring back a heartbeat before first responders arrived, and the boy was rushed to a Nashville children’s hospital. Loved ones have been calling him “our miracle baby” as he slowly improves under hospital care.
As reported by WSMV, Bennett’s father, Tristen Pierrot, said the toddler slipped away during his sister’s birthday party and was discovered “lifeless” at the bottom of the family pool. Pierrot told the station that family members’ CPR efforts restored his son’s heartbeat before EMTs arrived. Bennett then spent several days on a ventilator and is being treated for a minor lung infection. According to the family, doctors say there are no signs of brain damage and that he could be released from the hospital in the coming days.
Why Immediate CPR Can Make the Difference
According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death for children in the United States ages 1 to 4, and quick resuscitation can significantly improve the odds after a submersion incident. The American Heart Association stresses that high-quality CPR and rescue breaths are critical in pediatric drowning cases and urges parents and caregivers to seek formal training before an emergency strikes.
Family Sets Up Fundraiser and Urges Pool Safety
The Pierrot family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses and is using Bennett’s brush with death to urge other parents to learn CPR and secure any access points to backyard pools, Pierrot told WSMV. “People don’t think it can happen, but something can change in just an instant,” he said, calling for sturdy gated fences and making sure the adults around children are trained and ready to respond. Neighbors and friends have rallied around the family as Bennett continues his recovery at Vanderbilt.
Pool-Safety Steps for Local Families
Experts say the safest setup relies on layers of protection, including four-sided fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates, vigilant adult supervision, rescue equipment kept within arm’s reach of the water, and formal swim lessons for children. The American Red Cross and the CDC offer free resources on water safety, along with guidance on where to find CPR and swim classes in your area. Parents are also urged to keep phones and other distractions away while kids are in or near the pool and to ask local health providers about community training options.
