ST. LOUIS (KTVI) -- Every day in the U.S., an average of 11 people die from unintentional drowning. But thanks to one quick-thinking little girl from St. Louis, Missouri, a tragedy was narrowly avoided.

On May 23, a family vacation in Texas turned into a life-saving moment no one could've predicted.

Five-year-old Brooklynn Garth jumped into action when her 3-year-old sister, Callie, slipped back into the pool without her floaties.

"As soon as she jumped in, that's when Brooklynn went into action. That's when she knew her sister didn't have floaties on. She knew she couldn't swim without them, so she dove in. She didn't even give her a chance to start screaming for help,” said father Juan Garth.

Callie, described as fearless, had been in the water for hours. Her mom says she'd just take

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