Heroic Boy Swims 2.5 Miles to Sea, Rescues Family

A 13-year-old boy, Austin Appelbee, exemplified remarkable bravery when he swam 2.5 miles to rescue his family after they were swept out to sea off the coast of Australia. On Friday, Austin and his mother, Joanne Appelbee, along with his siblings Beau, 12, and Grace, 8, encountered serious danger while on a kayaking vacation.

Heroic Swim in Challenging Conditions

The family was using kayaks and paddleboards near Quindalup when they were caught by rough seas and strong winds around noon, dragging them into deeper waters. After struggling for several hours, Austin made the courageous decision to swim for help, clocking in an impressive 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) swim.

Determination Against the Odds

Naturaliste Marine Rescue commander Paul Bresland commended Austin’s efforts, describing them as “superhuman.” During the first two hours of his swim, Austin clung to a life jacket. However, realizing it hindered his swimming, he discarded it and continued swimming for another two hours without it.

• Austin swam through rough conditions for about four hours.
• He raised the alarm at approximately 6 p.m. after reaching the shore.

While swimming, Austin focused on positive thoughts, repeating to himself, “just keep swimming.” Upon reaching the beach, he collapsed from exhaustion but had successfully alerted authorities about his family’s plight.

Search and Rescue Operations

At around 8:30 p.m., a helicopter located Joanne, Beau, and Grace. They were found clinging to a paddleboard and had drifted 14 kilometers (9 miles) from their starting point. The family endured nearly 10 hours in the water.

Mother’s Apprehension and Courage

Joanne Appelbee shared her emotional decision to send Austin for help. She explained, “One of the hardest decisions I ever had to make was to say to Austin: ‘Try and get to shore and get some help.’” Despite her doubts as sunset approached, she held onto hope that her son would reach safety.

The police praised Austin’s determination, with Inspector James Bradley stating that his actions were pivotal in saving the lives of his family. After being rescued, all family members received medical assessments but none required hospitalization.

A Community’s Recognition

The Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue Group publicly honored Austin and his family on social media, noting their extraordinary bravery and strength. The group emphasized the significance of Austin’s heroic swim in setting the rescue in motion.

This event not only showcased the bravery of a young boy but also highlighted the importance of quick thinking and courageous actions in life-threatening situations.