'By the grace of God, we're here': 7-year-old boy credited with saving family after boating accident
Chase Poust's family says they wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for the seven-year-old's bravery.
The Florida boy was able to save his family during a boating accident Friday night.
Poust told WJXT that he, his father and his 4-year-old sister Abigail went out fishing. He said a strong current caught he and his sister off guard as they swam by the boat while it was anchored.
"I told them I loved them because I wasn't sure what's going to happen," Steven Poust, Chase's dad, told the TV station. "I tried to stick with (Abigail) as long as I could, with both of them, I wore myself out and she drifted away from me."
Abigail kept afloat because she had a life jacket on.
Chase didn't have a life jacket but kept swimming to shore. After about an hour, he was able to get to a nearby home to ask for help.
Florida Fish and Wildlife officials were then able to rescue Steven Poust and Abigail, along with some help from Jacksonville Fire and Rescue and the local sheriff's office.
"We're here. By the grace of God, we're here," Steven Poust said.
Florida law did not require Chase or his dad to wear a life vest. Life jackets are required for children age 6 and under for boats under 26 feet.