On Memorial Day weekend, seven-year-old Chase Poust became an unexpected hero, saving his family from a potentially fatal situation on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida. What began as a peaceful day of fishing for Chase, his father Steven, and his four-year-old sister Abigail, quickly turned into a desperate struggle for survival when the river’s current overpowered them.
The family had anchored their boat near Mandarin Point, allowing Steven to fish while Chase and Abigail swam. But as the current grew stronger, little Abigail, who was wearing a life jacket, was swept away from the boat. In a split second, their idyllic day turned perilous.
A Brother’s Instinctive Heroism
Chase’s bravery shone through in that moment. Without a second thought, he let go of the boat to try to help his sister. Despite not wearing a life jacket himself, he clung to Abigail as they were pulled farther from the boat. Describing the terrifying moment to WJXT, Chase said, “The current was so strong that my sister … and she let go. So, I let go of the boat and grabbed her, and then, I was stuck.”
Steven, realizing both his children were in danger, immediately jumped in to help, but the strong current made the rescue nearly impossible. Exhausted and struggling to keep up with Abigail as she drifted farther away, Steven feared the worst. In that heart-wrenching moment, he told his children he loved them, uncertain if they would make it out of the situation alive.
Chase’s Extraordinary Swim for Help
Faced with a dire situation, young Chase made a decision that would save his family. He began swimming toward shore, battling the current with remarkable courage. He used a mix of the doggie paddle and floating on his back to conserve energy during the hour-long swim. His determination to reach land was a true testament to his bravery and quick thinking, despite his tender age.
Finally, after an exhausting effort, Chase made it to dry land and immediately sought help. His cries for assistance were answered when someone nearby heard him and sprang into action.
A Successful Rescue Mission
Help arrived in the form of the Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Thanks to Chase’s heroism and the swift response of authorities, Steven and Abigail were rescued an hour later, having drifted a mile away from the boat. Fortunately, they emerged from the ordeal unharmed, a fact that filled Steven with overwhelming relief. “Little man also made it to shore and got help, and that’s what saved our lives,” Steven remarked with pride in his son’s courage.
A Powerful Reminder of Water Safety
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department spokesperson Eric Prosswimmer later reflected on the incident, praising the outcome: “We’re happy to say all three have been recovered, and all three are doing well. We couldn’t ask for a better outcome.”
This near-tragedy is a sobering reminder of how quickly situations can spiral out of control in water. As much as this story highlights Chase’s incredible heroism, it also serves as a vital reminder for parents to exercise caution during water-related activities. Sharing stories like Chase’s can help raise awareness about the importance of water safety and remind us all to stay vigilant, especially when children are involved.
