Mary Bridge Pediatrics Maple Valley: Saving Young Lives

The story of a heroic heroine

What few people know about drowning is that it is impossible to make much sound during it – the body sort of shuts down, and doesn’t allow a person to breathe, meaning they can’t yell. Because of this, drowning is the second leading cause of death for children 14 and under.

On Sunday, at Steele Lake Park in Federal Way, Tracy White was enjoying a sunny day on the beach. During the week, she works at Maple Valley’s Mary Bridge Pediatrics, ensuring the health of local children.

But today, she received a different sort of call to work.

She saw the tiny hands barely break the surface, about 30 yards out from shore. She took off running, though unready for a swim. As she was about to reach the boy, he began to sink towards the bottom, his body having gone completely limp.

She recalls: “It was heartbreaking. I was reaching, he was sinking.”

White dove, grabbed, pulled him onto shore, told a bystander to call 9-1-1, and waited.

The boy made it alright.

Borrow Lifejackets for Free at Mary Bridge Pediatrics, Maple Valley

Tracy White herself – prior to this episode – had arranged for Maple Valley’s branch of Mary Bridge Pediatrics to have lifejackets on hand for the summer.

According to the original write-up of this news:

“People can borrow them for up to two weeks, for both kids and adults.

Stop by the clinic at 24080 S.E. Kent Kangley Road or call 253-372-7680 or 425-413-1310.

Drowning is a leading cause of death in Washington. Drowning occurs primarily in open water such as lakes, rivers or Puget Sound. Ninety percent of those who drown were not wearing life jackets.” (Emphasis added)

Be safe! And if you see Tracy White when you go to pick up your lifejacket, tell her THANK YOU from us all.

This post was adapted in part from this story.