Heroism honored: The legacy of Anderson “Chase” Childers
March 30, 2026
A powerful story of selflessness has reached a new milestone as Anderson “Chase” Childers was posthumously awarded the Carnegie Medal for Heroism, North America’s highest civilian honor for bravery as he made the ultimate sacrifice to save swimmers trapped in a terrible rip current off the coast of Pawleys Island.
In July 2025, while vacationing with his family on Pawleys Island, the 38-year-old father and husband from Georgia heard cries for help from a group trapped in a powerful rip current.
Relying on his first-responder instincts, Childers dove into the water and successfully rescued six people, including a family of five. Tragically, after exhausting his strength to ensure their safety, he was swept away by the current and drowned in front of his wife and three children.
A Lasting Impact
The community response to Childers’ heroics has been profound:
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National Recognition: He is one of only 18 individuals recently selected for the Carnegie Medal, a distinction given to those who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving others.
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Community Support: A GoFundMe campaign following the incident raised nearly $250,000 to support his surviving family.
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Advocacy for Safety: In the wake of his passing, Childers’ relatives have become vocal advocates for improved water safety training and rip current awareness programs to prevent future tragedies.
“He displayed extraordinary courage and selflessness… putting their lives above his own.” — Excerpt from the Childers family GoFundMe memorial page.
This story serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of coastal currents and a tribute to a man who defined the meaning of a “hero.” Our thoughts remain with the Childers family.
