Brave Girl Rescues Mom from Gripping Drowning Attempt in Florida Pool
A shocking attempted drowning in Davenport, Polk County, sees a man charged after his granddaughter intervenes to save her mother.
Brave Girl Rescues Mom from Gripping Drowning Attempt in Florida Pool
On August 3, 2025, a shocking incident occurred at Solterra Resort in Davenport, Florida, where 62-year-old Mark Raymond Gibbon allegedly attempted to drown his daughter-in-law during a heated argument. This disturbing episode unfolded while the family was vacationing from England. As tensions flared over discussions regarding Gibbon’s will, witnesses reported that he held his 33-year-old daughter-in-law underwater multiple times, prompting immediate concern for her safety.
Fortunately, Gibbon’s actions prompted a courageous response from his 9-year-old granddaughter, who risked her own life by jumping into the pool to rescue her mother. The bravery of a child in such a dire situation is nothing short of heroic. Meanwhile, two sisters from a neighboring property witnessed the confrontation and acted swiftly by calling the police, leading Gibbon to cease his actions.
The Legal Response
Authorities quickly responded to the scene, with deputies arresting Gibbon on charges of attempted second-degree murder and battery. During subsequent questioning, Gibbon admitted to holding his daughter-in-law under the water but claimed that he had no intention of drowning her. He also indicated that alcohol had been consumed, suggesting that both parties had been drinking and that a physical altercation had occurred prior to the attempted drowning.
This case underscores the alarming realities of domestic violence. According to Florida Domestic Violence Statistics, the state reported a staggering 106,515 incidents of domestic violence in 2020 alone, resulting in 63,217 arrests. The emotional toll on families involved in such violent incidents can be devastating, leading to an urgent need for awareness and intervention.
Understanding Domestic Violence
The impact of domestic violence in Florida is far-reaching. As detailed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, domestic violence encompasses various forms of abuse, including physical assault and battery, which can lead to serious injury or even death among family members. Each year, the economic burden related to domestic violence exceeds $12 billion in the U.S., with significant public health implications affecting approximately 10 million people annually. Among them, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience such violence.
In the state of Florida, the establishment of the Domestic Violence Task Force aims to boost education and public awareness about the serious nature of this issue. Initiatives include requiring healthcare professionals to undergo domestic violence education every third renewal period. Such measures are crucial for identifying and providing assistance to survivors of abuse.
The reality, however, is that many cases go unreported, as victims often face shame or fear, and some are actively prevented by abusers from accessing support services. Florida’s certified domestic violence centers worked tirelessly in the fiscal year 2020-2021, providing over 412,000 nights of emergency shelter to survivors and their children, illustrating the ongoing need for these vital resources.
As we reflect on this troubling incident in Davenport, it serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for collective action against domestic violence. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that help is available through local hotlines and support organizations dedicated to ensuring safety and healing.
The expectation for visitors and residents alike is one of respect and safety, as emphasized by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. This community stands firm in its commitment to combat domestic violence and protect its members.