A remarkable story out of Australia tells how a 13-year-old boy, Austin Applebee, swam about two miles to reach shore and get help after rough seas swept his family to sea in their kayaks and paddle boards. Rescue crews saved the rest of the family (a mother and her two other children), all thanks to Austin’s efforts.
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The family was kayaking and paddle boarding off the coast of Quindalup in Western Australia when the waves swept them far from safety. Austin decided to take action. He began paddling back to shore in his kayak, but after it took on water, he abandoned his small boat and swam to shore amid “massive waves.”
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Once safe on land, Austin alerted authorities about his family’s plight, and they launched a rescue mission. Austin’s mother and siblings, ages eight and 12, were clinging to a paddle board, feeling desperate when help finally arrived. Thankfully, everyone was wearing life jackets.
Austin is being called a hero for his incredible efforts.
See a news report about the young boy who saved his family by swimming to shore:
See the South West District – WA Police Force‘s post about the incident here:
Header stock image by Thomas Barwick/Getty Images
