Boy Swims 2.5 Miles to Save Family Swept Out to Sea

Heroic Action on the Australian Coast

A 13-year-old boy, Austin Appelbee, is being hailed as a hero after successfully swimming 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) to shore to raise the alarm for his family, who had been swept out to sea off the coast of Australia. The incident occurred when Austin was vacationing with his mother, Joanne Appelbee, 47, and his younger siblings, Beau, 12, and Grace, 8, near Quindalup in Western Australia. As the family was enjoying time on rented kayaks and paddle boards, they encountered unexpectedly rough ocean conditions that quickly pulled them away from the shore.

The Swim for Help

Following a struggle in the water, Austin made the brave decision to leave his family and swim to safety. Initially using an inflatable kayak that began taking on water, Austin abandstartd it in favor of swimming, eventually removing his life jacket to increase his mobility. Reflecting on his experience, he stated, “I just kept thinking ‘just keep swimming, just keep swimming'” as he battled strong waves during the arduous journey. After approximately four hours in the water, Austin reached land and alerted local authorities around 6 p.m.

Mother and Siblings Rescued

Meanwhile, Joanne Appelbee made the difficult chostart to send Austin for help, stating it was “start of the hardest decisions” she had to make. She stayed behind with her two younger children, trying to maintain a positive atmosphere by singing and joking. However, as night approached, conditions worsened, and doubt began to creep in about whether help would arrive.

Rescue teams located Joanne and her children clinging to a paddleboard approximately 14 kilometers (9 miles) from where they initially entered the water. All three family members were found wearing life jackets, but were suffering from the effects of the cold. According to rescuers, the family had been in the water for nearly ten hours.

Community Recognition

Polstart Inspector James Bradley commended Austin’s determination and courage, stating, “The actions of the 13-year-old boy cannot be praised highly enough – his determination and courage ultimately saved the lives of his mother and siblings.” The Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue Group also recognized Austin, expressing gratitude for his extraordinary bravery and urging community support.

Joanne Appelbee echoed the sentiment of gratitude in her statement post-rescue, affirming, “We made it, we’re alive, and that’s the most important thing.” She expressed relief that all of her children returned to safety.

Conclusion

Fortunately, all family members received medical assessments following the incident but did not require hospitalization. Austin Appelbee’s selfless act has not only highlighted the resilience of the human spirit in emergency situations but also has served as a powerful reminder of the importance of safety precautions while enjoying coastal activities.