Mother Faces Tough Decision: Sends Son on 4km Swim for Help

A mother faced an agonizing choice when she sent her 13-year-old son on a four-kilometer swim for help. This decision was made after their family was swept out to sea in dangerous conditions off the coast of Western Australia.

Incident Overview

Joanne Appelbee and her three children were vacationing in Quindalup, approximately 250 kilometers south of Perth. On a Friday morning, they set off from the beach on a kayak and inflatable paddleboards. Initially, conditions seemed calm, and the family planned to be out for an hour, leaving food and water on the beach.

Transforming Calm into Crisis

As the family continued their outing, the sea turned treacherous. Midday brought rough waters that capsized their kayak, pushing them further from shore. Faced with rapidly deteriorating conditions, Joanne made the heart-wrenching decision to send her son, Austin, for help.

• Mother’s Decision: “It was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make,” she stated.
• Distance to swim: 4 kilometers (approx. 2.5 miles) back to shore.

Austin’s Struggle for Survival

Austin initially attempted to paddle back on the kayak but realized it was taking on water. Fearing for his family’s safety, he chose to swim instead. “I just kept thinking, ‘Just keep swimming,'” he recounted.

Despite the massive waves, he swam tirelessly until reaching the beach, where he sought emergency assistance.

Emergency Response

Once on shore, Austin calmly contacted emergency services, requesting immediate help. His efforts prompted a multi-agency rescue team, including WA Water Police and a rescue helicopter.

• Rescue Time: Approximately 8:30 PM.
• Location: 14 kilometers offshore in Geographe Bay.

Family’s Ordeal at Sea

Meanwhile, Joanne and her younger children, Beau and Grace, were stranded for 8 to 10 hours. Despite the tense situation, they maintained a hopeful spirit, singing and joking to cope. As night fell, fear began to set in, especially for Joanne, who worried about Austin’s safety.

Moments of Separation

At a critical moment during the ordeal, a large wave separated the family. Beau and Grace found themselves isolated from their mother. Joanne, hearing Grace’s cries but fearing for Beau’s safety, anxiously awaited rescue.

Rescue and Aftermath

The rescue team located the family, and their reunion was filled with relief. Austin, who had completed a physically exhausting swim viewed as a “superhuman” effort, was later treated for his physical strain, equivalent to running two marathons.

• Austin’s Health: Sore legs and on crutches post-rescue.
• Family’s Physical Condition: Swollen legs, blisters, and bruises.

Joanne expressed concerns about the mental impact of this traumatic experience on her children. Despite everything, she emphasized gratitude for their survival. Premier Roger Cook recognized Austin’s bravery online, calling him a “true West Aussie hero.”

This harrowing incident illustrates the resilience of a family facing sudden adversity in the seemingly peaceful waters of Western Australia.