OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — A 7-year-old boy is safe and recovering after a paddleboarding trip took a dramatic turn earlier this week in Florida’s Bluewater Bay area.
Greyson Hardy was reported missing on Monday after a family member lost sight of him while he was paddleboarding near Rocky Creek, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. Concern quickly escalated as the young boy didn’t return, prompting an urgent search.
A coordinated response effort involving multiple local and state agencies, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), was launched to locate the child.
After an intensive search, officials found Greyson approximately 1.5 miles upstream, having managed to navigate a winding and obstacle-filled stretch of Rocky Creek. The FWC said the area was packed with submerged trees and other natural barriers, making his journey both challenging and dangerous.
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Despite the ordeal, Greyson remained remarkably composed. According to rescuers, his first words after being found were, “Do you have any food?”
Following his rescue, Greyson was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation and was reported to be in good condition.
A Close Call With a Happy Ending
Officials praised the swift collaboration among responding agencies and emphasized the importance of water safety, especially with young children.
“This could have ended very differently,” one responder noted. “But thanks to the quick work of our teams and Greyson’s incredible resilience, he’s now back where he belongs—safe and sound.”
