OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA — Relief swept through a Florida community on Tuesday after 7-year-old Greyson Hardy was found safe following an intense multi-agency search. The young boy, who went missing on Monday while paddleboarding near Rocky Creek in Bluewater Bay, was located roughly 1.5 miles upstream after navigating a challenging, obstacle-filled waterway alone.
A Search That United Agencies and Community
According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Greyson had last been seen by a family member while paddleboarding in the early afternoon of June 2. When he failed to return, authorities were immediately alerted, prompting a wide-scale search effort that included local law enforcement, wildlife officers, and federal resources.
Multiple units joined the mission, including drone teams from the sheriff’s office, officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), firefighters from the North Bay Fire Department, and personnel from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Eglin Air Force Base.
By Tuesday, June 3, around 24 hours after his disappearance, Greyson was found alive by officers from the FWC.
“Thanks to an incredible multi-agency effort—including our team, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Jackson County SO, North Bay Fire, and Eglin AFB—he was found about 1.5 miles upstream after navigating a tough creek full of submerged trees and obstacles,” the FWC announced in a Facebook post.
The agency shared a heartwarming detail: the first thing Greyson said after being rescued was, “Do you have any food?”
Greyson was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and is reported to be in good health.
Officials, Public Celebrate a Happy Ending
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office also celebrated the success in a public update:
“We are incredibly happy to report the child has been located by MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife officers and is safe! Great teamwork by all!”
Social media was flooded with comments from relieved and supportive citizens. One commenter wrote on FWC’s Facebook post, “Mom, Dad; you’ve got an explorer on your hands. Have a heart-to-heart talk with him and make sure you’re ready to keep him busy with stuff to do.”
The Broader Context: Outdoor Safety and Young Explorers
While this story has a joyful ending, it underscores ongoing concerns about child safety near water bodies—especially in recreational settings like paddleboarding. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, water-related incidents involving young children tend to spike in summer months. Officials frequently advise that children near lakes, creeks, or open waters should always be under close supervision and wear approved flotation devices.
This incident also highlights the effectiveness of coordinated, inter-agency emergency response in Florida, a state often praised for its disaster and rescue protocols.
A Reminder and a Celebration
Though brief, Greyson’s disappearance sent a wave of concern through his family and community. His safe return stands as a testament to swift action, resource coordination, and public vigilance.
Were you involved in the search for Greyson or do you have similar experiences with child safety near waterways? Share your thoughts or stories in the comments.