Chase Childers, a retired police officer from Georgia passed away while attempting to rescue individuals caught in rip tides off the Pawleys Island shore.

Remembering Chase Childers: A Hero’s Legacy

Family of Anderson “Chase” Childers said he is a devoted husband, inspirational father and role model. Family said he lost his life doing what he lived for, helping others.

The family of Anderson Chase Childers described him as a loving spouse, a source of inspiration as a parent, and a role model. They mentioned that he passed away while pursuing his passion for assisting others.

Pawleys Island Police reported that on Sunday afternoon, Chase Childers, 38, and another individual jumped into the water at Pawleys Island to assist multiple swimmers trapped in a rip current.

“We just hate that this scarred their vacation and their lives,” said Pawleys Island Chief of Police Michael Fanning.

Chase Childers drowned after being caught in the rip current as reported by the police department.

“He didn’t hesitate. He jumped in and sawm out to them. We believe that he saw somebody or he heard something beyond where these people were, and went out to help them, and he became victim himself,” said Fanning.

“Saw ambulance in the next street. And I immediately knew something,” said Tonya Mills, who witnessed the incident.

“He died trying to save others,” the department wrote in a social media post.

Fanning mentioned the absence of National Weather Service alerts or rip current warnings for the day, emphasizing that Pawleys Island is renowned for dangerous rip currents.

“We’ve had five drownings in 26 months in the same 200-300 yard area. And it’s right near an inlay, so it creates theses sand bars out there …and these sand bars out shift frequently which creates different competing currents which can lead to a rip current or multiple rip currents,” said Fanning.

Police stated that there are no lifeguards or flag systems for water conditions in the area. Fanning acknowledged the necessity for additional safety signage but highlighted the difficulty in maintaining safety measures due to the limited daily staff of one or two officers.

“If we had the man power to put them out every morning, and take them down every night, and to change them as conditions to change. I can’t run up and down and the beach, and change 8 flags in a short period of time. We have a four mile beach, just logistically difficult for us to do it,” said Fanning.

Police said the area has no lifeguards, no flag systems for water conditions. Fanning said he admits they need more safety signage, but said their limited staff of one or two officers a day makes keeping up with safety measures challenging.

Fanning said they are planning to purchase life rings, and better signage. They are also working to put out educational material online and social media.

Fanning mentioned Pawleys Island’s intention to buy life rings and improve signage. Additionally, they are developing educational resources for online platforms and social media.

Chase Childers, a resident of Paulding County who hails from Kennesaw, worked as a patrol officer in uniform for more than three years with the Cobb County Police Department, as reported by the department.

Chase Childers, a former professional baseball player, competed for North Cobb Christian High School and Georgia State University before being recruited by the Baltimore Orioles in 2009.

Chase Childers went on to play in the Orioles’ minor league system, as reported by Major League Baseball.

“We are saddened to learn of Chase’s passing, and send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” an Orioles spokesperson said in a statement.

As of Thursday, a GoFundMe campaign for Chase Childers’ spouse and three kids has raised over $85,000.

“As a devoted husband and father, he displayed extraordinary courage and selflessness,” the GoFundMe said. “In a heroic act, he saved a family of five in a moment of crisis in Pawleys Island on Sunday afternoon, putting their lives above his own.

“Tragically, after giving everything he had to save them, he was unable to stay above water as the rip tide swept him away, ultimately paying the highest sacrifice with his life in front of his three children and wife. His bravery, kindness, and love will always be remembered.”

Chase’s family reports that he and his wife have three children, aged 10, 9, and 6. According to Chase’s mother, he and his wife first met in middle school and have been inseparable ever since.

“I’m just sad about everything. I am just praying and just really thinking about the family. And people like myself that were on the beach it was really hard on Sunday,” said Mills.