Recently, an inspiring tale surfaced that highlighted the bravery of seven-year-old Chase Poust, who swam for help to save his family from a dangerous situation. Chase, his father Steven, and his sister Abigail, age four, went boating near Mandarin Point in Jacksonville, Florida for Memorial Day weekend on May 28.
On the St. Johns River, the family had docked their boat, and Steven was supposed to go fishing while Chase and Abigail swam past. Unfortunately, when Steven discovered that the current was stronger than he had thought, things got worse. Abigail, the young girl donning a life jacket, was abruptly dragged out of the boat.
Chase described the horrific incident in a touching interview with the TV channel WJXT, saying, “The current was so powerful that my sister… and she released her grip. I got stranded after letting go of the boat and grabbing her.Chase heroically launched the boat and made an attempt to save his sister, even though he was not wearing a life jacket himself. In an effort to save Abigail, Steven also dove into the sea, but she just drifted farther out. “I told them I loved him because I wasn’t sure what was going to happen,” Steven recounted. I made an effort to remain with them both. I exhausted myself. She started to stray from me.
Chase bravely and resolutely swam against the current for an entire hour, conserving energy by alternating between paddling like a dog and floating on his back. When at last he made it to dry land, he hurried for assistance.
Steven yelled, “I waved my arms and screamed for help at the top of my lungs, and sure enough, someone heard us.” “Our lives were saved by Little Man, who also reached the coast and received assistance.”
An hour later, Steven and Abigail were successfully rescued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Sheriff’s Office. Despite having drifted a mile from their boat, they had escaped unscathed.
Spokesman Eric Prosswimmer for the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department conveyed relief and thanks during a press conference, saying, “We’re happy to say all three have been recovered and are doing well. We had every resource we could have possibly had coming quickly.” Nothing could have gone more well than it did.
This episode is a potent reminder of how rapidly circumstances may alter, particularly when it comes to water-related activities involving kids. We implore all parents to be exceedingly watchful and cautious when approaching water. Post this amazing tale on Facebook to honor young Chase’s bravery and raise awareness of the risks associated with the water.
