This seven-year-old boy swam for more than 60 minutes to get help for his dad and sister stuck in the waters of a Florida river during a strong current.
After they were swept by the current, the boy, Chase Poust, helped save his family. He was swimming with his four-year-old sister Abigail in the waters of John’s River by Jacksonville while their dad was fishing from his boat.
Although the boat was anchored, the strong current ripped Abigail away. Chase was still clinging on the boat, but soon let go in order to catch his sister and also got caught in the current.
Brave Boy Helps Rescue His Dad & Sister from a Strong Current
The boy later said that the current was so strong that Abigail, who’s usually hanging out at the back of the boat, was swiped away.
When he tried to get to her, he was also caught into the current and remembers feeling really scared. Although Abigail had a life vest, Chase didn’t.
Their dad says told them he loves them because he wasn’t sure what will happen. He tried to stick with both of them, but soon felt worn out and remembers Abigail drifting away from him.
Chase said he doggie paddled and then floated on his back to prevent himself from becoming tired.
It wasn’t easy to swim to the shore because of the current going the opposite way. After an hour, he managed to get to the shore and ran to the closest home, screaming for help.
Boy’s Cries Are Heard, Dad & Sister Rescued & Doing Well
Right after the boy told them what happened, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission helped in the successful rescue.
Steven later said how he was screaming ‘help’ at the top of his lungs and waving his arms, hoping someone would hear him. Yet, his little son managed to swim to the shore and get help.
He says this is what saved them.
Abigail and Steven spent two hours in the water before they were rescued. They were found a mile away from their boat. The good news is that all three of them are doing well and are now safe.
For Steven, being still here is a grace of God. Interestingly, when the media asked Chase how he became such a skilled swimmer, he simply responded ‘I have no idea’.
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