A seven-year-old kid is being hailed as a hero after swimming for an hour to rescue his family when they were lost in a river.

According to reports, Chase Poust went out with his father, Steven, and four-year-old sister, Abigail, on Friday, May 28 to kick off Memorial Day weekend.

The three of them docked their boat on the St. Johns River at Mandarin Point in Jacksonville, Florida. Steven planned to fish while his two children swam nearby.

However, the current was stronger than Steven had anticipated, and before long, seven-year-old Chase saw Abigail, who was wearing a life jacket, had been dragged off the boat.

“The water was so powerful that my sister—who typically hangs out at the rear of the boat—let go. In an exclusive interview with WJXT, Chase explained that he let go of the boat, grabbed her, and found himself trapped.

Chase wasn’t wearing a life jacket, yet he let go of the boat to save his sister. Steven also dove into the water in an attempt to save his daughter, but she continued to float away.

Steven told News4Jax: “I told them I loved him because I didn’t know what was going to happen.” I attempted to stick to both of them. I wore myself out. She moved away from me.

Chase, despite his fear, managed to swim to shore, alternating between a doggy paddle and floating on his back to avoid becoming too weary to keep his head above water.

All in all, the youngster swam against the stream for an hour until he reached dry land. He then fled for rescue.

Steven explained: “I screamed for help at the top of my lungs and waved my arms, and someone heard us.” A little man made it to shore and obtained aid, saving our lives.”

The Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rescued Steven and Abigail one hour later after they drifted a mile from their boat.

“We had every resource we could have coming quickly, and we’re happy to say that all three have recovered and are doing well,” Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department spokesperson Eric Prosswimmer said at a news conference. We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.

Such a close call! Thank goodness young Chase was able to swim and obtain the treatment he so needed.

Parents, please use utmost caution when out on the water with children. As seen here, things can and do change quickly.