A 13-year-old boy in Western Australia has been widely recognised for an outstanding act of courage after he swam through treacherous ocean conditions for nearly four hours to reach safety and summon rescuers for his stranded family.

The incident occurred on Friday off the coast near Quindalup in Geographe Bay, southwest Western Australia, where strong winds and currents pulled the family’s kayak and paddleboards far offshore in deteriorating weather.

The boy, identified as Austin Appelbee, was holidaying with his mother, 47-year-old Joanne Appelbee, and his younger brother and sister, aged 12 and eight, when the group became caught in the conditions.

After realising that their kayak was taking on water and that their situation was becoming precarious, Austin’s mother urged him to attempt to reach the shore to get help — a decision she later described as one of the hardest she had ever made.

Austin initially tried to paddle back to land using the inflatable kayak, but was forced to abandon it when it filled with water.

Wearing a life jacket, he began the arduous swim.

As conditions remained extremely challenging, he eventually chose to remove his life jacket to improve his swimming efficiency and continued through rough seas.

After swimming approximately four kilometres in fading daylight, he reached the shore in the early evening, exhausted and collapsing on the beach.

Once ashore, he reportedly ran a significant distance to find a phone to alert emergency services.

His call triggered a multi-agency search effort that mobilised police, volunteer marine rescue units, and aerial resources.

Around 8:30 p.m., a rescue helicopter located his mother and younger siblings about 14 kilometres offshore, still clad in life jackets and clinging to a paddleboard after many hours adrift.

All three were brought safely aboard a rescue vessel and taken for medical assessment.

Officials and volunteer rescuers have lauded Austin’s perseverance and quick thinking, noting that his detailed description of the family’s equipment was instrumental in locating them.

Police Inspector James Bradley emphasised that the boy’s determination and courage were decisive in saving his family’s lives.

Volunteer Marine Rescue organisers described his feat as “superhuman,” underscoring both the physical and mental challenges he faced during the prolonged swim.

Joanne Appelbee recounted that she kept her younger children positive while awaiting rescue, singing and maintaining their spirits until help arrived.

She said that although she was initially confident that Austin would reach shore, her fear grew as daylight faded and conditions worsened.

After the rescue, all family members were evaluated by medical professionals and required no prolonged hospital treatment.

“I have three babies. All three made it. That was all that mattered,” she said, reflecting relief and gratitude after the ordeal.