7-Year-Old Boy Swims 1 Mile To Shore To Save Father And Sister

June 2, 2021

A seven-year-old Jacksonville boy is being hailed a hero for saving his family in a boating accident over Memorial Day Weekend.

Chase Proust
Chase, Abigal and Steven Proust

Chase Poust and his 4-year-old sister, Abigail, were swimming alongside their father's anchored boat on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida, on Friday night, the family told WJXT. But as the two children enjoyed their time in the water, Abigail lost hold of the boat when they were caught in a strong current.

Steven Proust, their father, jumped into the water to save them but they got overpowered by the strong current.

"I told them both I loved them, because I wasn't sure what was going to happen. And I tried to stick with her as long as I could and both of them, really. I wore myself out. And she drifted away from me," he said.

Steven told Chase to swim to shore. That's when the 7-year-old began the long, 1-mile swim back to land, switching between floating on his back and doggie paddling.

Once he reached shore, Chase ran to the nearest home he could find. Florida Fish and Wildlife eventually spotted Steven and Abigail after an hour-long search.

"We're here. By the grace of God, we're here," Steven said. "Little man … made it to shore and got help, and that's what saved our lives."