Heroic Actions on a Dangerous Day
Austin Appelbee, 13, was on a family outing near Quindalup in Geographe Bay when strong winds and waves swept his mother Joanne and siblings Beau, 13, and Grace, 8, away from shore. Instead of panicking, Austin followed his mother’s instructions and headed to land to raise the alarm. What followed was an astonishing effort by a young man in a frightening situation. This story reads like something out of a movie, except it happened to a real family and a real kid who stepped up when it mattered most.
The Four Hour Swim and Two Kilometer Run
Austin swam for about four hours toward shore, at one point leaving his life jacket so he could move faster. He arrived exhausted, collapsed, and then ran roughly two kilometers to find a phone and call for help. Think about that for a second. Many adults would not have the stamina or presence of mind to pull that off. He pushed through physical pain and cold water to get help for his family.
How Rescuers Found the Family
Rescue helicopters and volunteer marine crews used Austin’s description of his family to locate them. The three were found around 8:30 PM and brought to safety by a volunteer marine rescue vessel. Quick, accurate information in emergencies saves lives. Austin’s clear reporting of who was missing and where they were helped rescuers focus their search and act faster than they would have otherwise.
Faith and Focus in the Moment
Austin has said he prayed during the ordeal and felt God guiding him. He told reporters he kept his mind on positive things like friends and even a favorite Thomas the Tank Engine character to stay motivated. For a teenager to keep his head and act decisively while believing he had spiritual support is both moving and instructive. His mother and father expressed how proud they are, and rightly so.
What We Should Remember
This is a reminder of the importance of water safety, preparation, and staying calm in an emergency. It is also a reminder that ordinary people can perform extraordinary acts when someone they love is in danger. Volunteer rescuers and good Samaritans deserve our respect for turning a terrifying situation into a rescued family.
A 13-year-old boy in Australia has been hailed for saving his family from drowning after they were swept out to sea.
Austin Appelbee was with his mother and two younger siblings when they got into difficulty.
He managed to swim two and a half miles to shore to raise the alarm… pic.twitter.com/wbwXZNvNDi
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) February 3, 2026
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