Father and Children Rescued After Strong Current Sweeps Them From Boat on St. Johns River

What began as an ordinary evening fishing trip on the St. Johns River turned into a tense water rescue last Friday when a sudden strong current carried two children and their father away from their anchored boat. Steven Poust had taken his children, Abigail, 4, and Chase, 7, out on the river when the family found themselves battling the current after the children slipped from the stern.

According to Poust, Abigail was wearing a life jacket and was hanging off the back of the boat as she often does. The downstream current proved far stronger than expected, and Abigail was pulled away when she lost her grip. Her brother Chase immediately let go of the boat to reach her and succeeded in getting to his sister, but the current prevented them from returning to the vessel.

Poust then entered the water to aid his children. He later recounted telling Chase to swim to shore while he tried to assist — and that he told his kids he loved them, uncertain of the outcome as the situation worsened. Because Abigail was wearing a life jacket, she continued to float, which also allowed the current to carry her farther from the boat.

Braving the current, Chase swam for approximately an hour against the flow to reach land. He alternated between doggie-paddling and floating on his back when fatigue set in. When he finally reached shore, he knocked on the nearest door and sought help, a courageous effort that helped trigger the subsequent rescue.

Following the boy’s arrival onshore and the report of the incident, Florida Fish and Wildlife, assisted by the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, launched a coordinated search on the river. After roughly an hour-long search effort, rescuers located and recovered both Poust and Abigail and brought them safely back to the boat. The father and daughter had drifted about a mile from their original location by the time they were found.

“Little man… made it to shore and got help, and that’s what saved our lives,” Poust said, reflecting on his son’s determination and the rescue that followed. The swift cooperation between bystanders and first responders, together with the boy’s endurance, were key to the positive outcome.

This incident on the St. Johns River highlights how quickly a routine outing on the water can escalate when currents are stronger than anticipated. Even when life jackets are worn — as in Abigail’s case, which kept her afloat — the force of moving water can separate swimmers from boats and shore. Rivers, tidal flows, and changing weather conditions can create hazards that are not always visible at first glance.

Water-safety experts and rescue authorities consistently recommend the following precautions for boating and swimming on rivers and other open water:

• Always wear a properly fitted life jacket, especially for children and weaker swimmers.
• Maintain close supervision of children at all times when near or on the water.
• Be mindful of currents, tides, and weather reports before setting out, and avoid anchoring in strong flow when possible.
• Ensure at least one functional form of communication is on board, such as a charged mobile phone or marine radio, to call for help quickly if needed.
• Teach children basic survival skills, including how to float on their back and how to aim for shore if they become separated from a boat.
• Create and review an emergency plan with everyone on board so each person knows what to do if someone goes overboard.

Authorities involved in this rescue emphasized the importance of preparedness and swift action. In this case, the combination of a child’s brave swim to shore, the use of a life jacket, and a rapid response from Florida Fish and Wildlife and Jacksonville first responders resulted in a rescue with a happy ending.

The Poust family’s experience serves as a reminder that vigilance, appropriate safety gear, and knowing what to do under pressure can make the difference between tragedy and survival on the water. Boaters and swimmers on the St. Johns River and other waterways are encouraged to respect currents, plan ahead, and prioritize safety for every outing.