Imagine the incredible bravery it takes for a seven-year-old boy to swim against a strong river current for an hour to rescue his sister and get help for his dad. That’s exactly what Chase Poust did during a family outing on Memorial Day weekend.
Chase, along with his father Steven and four-year-old sister Abigail, were enjoying a boat trip on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida. While Steven was fishing, the children were swimming nearby when suddenly, Abigail, who was wearing a life jacket, was swept away by a strong current.
Without hesitation, Chase let go of the boat and jumped into action to save his little sister. Despite not having a life jacket himself, he was determined to reach her. In a recent interview, Chase recounted the harrowing experience, 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 incredible resilience, Chase battled against the powerful current, using a mix of doggie paddling and floating on his back to conserve energy. After an exhausting hour, he finally made it to shore, focused on getting help.
Once on dry land, Chase wasted no time and ran to seek assistance while Steven stayed with Abigail in the water, facing his own challenges with exhaustion. Fortunately, authorities, including the Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, swiftly responded to the emergency. They found Steven and Abigail approximately a mile downstream from their boat, and all three were soon reunited.
Speaking at a subsequent news conference, a spokesperson from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department expressed immense relief and gratitude: “We couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome. We had all resources deployed quickly, and we’re pleased to report that all three have been rescued and are doing well.” Chase’s courage and determination were instrumental in saving his family, making his actions truly remarkable.
Chase Poust serves as an inspiration to all of us. His selflessness and bravery at such a young age remind us of the impact each of us can have in challenging situations. Let’s celebrate this young hero and remember that courage knows no boundaries.
