A seven-year-old boy is hailed as a hero after swimming for an hour to rescue his family after they became stranded in a river.
According to accounts, Chase Poust went out on Friday, May 28, at the commencement of Memorial Day weekend, with his father, Steven, and his 4-year-old sister, Abigail.
The trio had anchored their boat near Mandarin Point in Jacksonville, Florida’s St. Johns River. Steven had planned to go fishing as his two children played in the adjacent lake.
Chase Poust spent about an hour swimming to shore and was able to get to a nearby home to ask for help. https://t.co/7l3pHRATHo
— WISN 12 NEWS (@WISN12News) May 31, 2021
Although Steven had underestimated the current’s strength, it didn’t take long for Chase, seven, to see that Abigail, who was wearing a life jacket, had been pushed away from the boat.
“Because the current was so strong, my sister, who usually hangs out at the back of the boat, let go.” I let go of the boat in order to grasp her, but as soon as I did, I became stuck, said Chase in an exclusive interview with WJXT.
Despite the fact that he is not wearing a life jacket, Chase lets go of the boat in order to save his sister. Steven also dove into the water to try to save his daughter, but she escaped.
“I told them I loved him because I wasn’t sure what was going to happen,” Steven told News4Jax. I tried hard to stay with both of them. I was completely fatigued. She swerved away from me.
Chase was able to swim to shore despite his fear. To prevent becoming too weary to keep his head above water, he alternated between doggie paddling and floating on his back.
The small child fought the tide for an hour before reaching dry land. He then fled for help.
“I waved my arms and cried for help at the top of my lungs, and sure enough, someone heard us,” Steven explained. Little Man got it to the coast and obtained help, which saved our lives.
Steven and Abigail were rescued an hour later by the Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission after drifting a mile from their boat.
At a news conference, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department spokesperson Eric Prosswimmer stated, “We had every resource we possibly could arrive promptly, and we’re happy to say all three have been recovered, and all three are doing well.” We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.
In Florida, a brave 7-year-old recounts hour-long swim to shore after boating mishap. pic.twitter.com/6w57oFJjAD
— KSL NewsRadio (@kslnewsradio) May 30, 2021
What a close call! It’s a wonder that Chase could swim and get the help he so needed.
When out on the lake with children and parents, exercise extreme caution. Things may and frequently do change in a split second, as illustrated below.
Spread the word about this post on Facebook to make others aware of the dangers. And to recognize Chase’s efforts.
