Jesus.
I can't even imagine. Don't wanna imagine.
Since my niece was born and having spent more time raising her than anyone but my sisters, I've got such a feral instinct of protection over her. But something like that...you're kind of powerless unless you just get lucky or get the animal to get you instead of the kid (which I'd gladly do in less than a heartbeat). I'd probably drown trying to get the gator, but those fuckers can't be caught if they get underwater.
Even growing up in Louisiana and seeing and being near both crocs and gators, I'm not nearly as nonchalant as I am some of my coonass brethren about them. They're beasts and we're their food (I was about to say unless you're well armed but even then, it's a toss up). No ifs, ands or buts about it. It's one of those few animals that even with some firepower, you just don't fuck around with them. Gotta say, if I was in Florida with my kids/family...pretty sure I wouldn't so much as go near any freshwater rivers, lakes and if I did, you can bet your ass I'm going to be glued at the hip to whoever I'm with if they're not an adult. Plenty of dipshit adults do stupid shit all the time knowing full well the consequences but a kid...they just don't know.