Imagine the incredible bravery it takes for a seven-year-old boy to swim for an hour against a strong river current to save his sister and get help for his dad. Well, that’s exactly what Chase Poust did during a family outing on Memorial Day weekend.
Chase, his father Steven, and four-year-old sister Abigail were enjoying a boat trip along the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida. While Steven was busy fishing, the children were happily swimming nearby. But things took a dangerous turn when Abigail, wearing a life jacket, got swept away by the unexpectedly strong current.
Without hesitation, Chase let go of the boat and leaped into action to rescue his little sister. Even though he didn’t have a life jacket, he was determined to save her. In a recent interview, Chase bravely recounted the ordeal, saying, “The current was so strong that my sister let go of the boat. So, I let go of the boat and grabbed her, and then, I was stuck.”
With remarkable resilience, Chase fought against the powerful current with each stroke. He swam for an hour, doggie paddling and floating on his back to conserve energy. Finally, he reached the shore, exhausted but determined to find help.
Once on dry land, Chase wasted no time. He ran to seek assistance while his father, Steven, bravely stayed with Abigail in the water, fighting exhaustion. Fortunately, authorities, including the Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, swiftly came to their rescue. Steven and Abigail were found approximately a mile away from their boat, and all three were soon reunited.
At a news conference following the incident, a spokesperson from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department expressed relief and gratitude: “We couldn’t ask for a better outcome. We had every resource we could have possibly had coming quickly, and we’re happy to say all three have been recovered, and all three are doing well.” Chase’s bravery and determination played a pivotal role in saving his family, and his actions were truly remarkable.
Chase Poust is an inspiration to us all. His selflessness and bravery at such a young age remind us of the power we each have to make a difference, no matter the circumstances. Let’s celebrate this little hero and remember that courage knows no bounds.
