Western Australia’s Premier Roger Cook recently penned a heartfelt letter to 13-year-old Austin Appelbee, praising the teenager’s extraordinary courage in a rescue that captured global attention. The incident unfolded off the coast near Quindalup in Geographe Bay, where Austin, his mother Joanne Appelbee, 12-year-old brother Beau, and 8-year-old sister Grace found themselves in mortal danger during what began as a relaxing family outing on hired kayaks and paddleboards.

Rough ocean conditions and strong winds quickly swept the family far from shore. By early afternoon, they were drifting helplessly, clinging to limited flotation devices as the current pulled them approximately 14 kilometers offshore. Joanne, originally from Ireland, faced an agonizing decision: she could not abandon her younger children, yet someone needed to seek help before darkness fell and exhaustion set in.

Trusting in her eldest son’s strength and swimming ability, Joanne urged Austin to head for shore alone. The boy shed his life jacket when it hindered his progress, switched between strokes to conserve energy, and relied on mental fortitude—repeating mantras like “Not today, not today” and even singing to himself—to push through four grueling hours in cold, choppy waters. He covered roughly 4 kilometers (about 2.5 miles) before collapsing on the beach and alerting authorities around 6 p.m.

Emergency services launched a swift response. A rescue helicopter located Joanne, Beau, and Grace after they had spent nearly 10 hours in the water, still holding onto a single paddleboard. All family members were safely recovered, treated for hypothermia and exhaustion, and reported to be recovering well. Authorities and marine rescue experts described Austin’s endurance as “superhuman,” noting that few adults could have managed such a feat under similar conditions—factoring in fatigue, cold water, currents, and the psychological strain of leaving loved ones behind.

In the aftermath, Austin downplayed his role, telling media outlets like the BBC and ABC News, “I didn’t think I was a hero—I just did what I did.” He credited his survival to determination and faith, mentioning prayers and positive thoughts that kept him going. His mother expressed profound pride mixed with lingering guilt over the difficult choice she made, stating it was “one of the hardest decisions” of her life but that she “knew he could do it.”

Premier Roger Cook, visibly moved, addressed the boy’s actions publicly and personally. Fighting back emotion, he wrote to Austin not only in his official capacity but as a father. Excerpts from the letter highlight deep admiration: “Few people are tested in the way you were, and to do what you did, with such resilience and determination, is a credit to yourself and your family.” Cook emphasized that true courage involves acting despite fear, commending Austin’s love for his family that drove him to swim for hours to get help.

The Premier invited Austin and his family to Parliament House for a personal thank-you, underscoring the statewide pride in the young West Australian. WA Police Minister Reece Whitby echoed this sentiment, calling Austin’s bravery “remarkable” and even suggesting a future in law enforcement, noting the state “could do with people like you” in the police academy.

The story resonated far beyond Australia, making international headlines in outlets from CNN to the Irish Times (given Joanne’s heritage). Experts in survival swimming pointed to factors aiding Austin: buoyancy in saltwater, efficient “survival backstroke” technique, and sheer mental willpower overriding physical limits. Marine Rescue officials used the event to highlight ocean dangers during school holidays, urging caution with watercraft in changing conditions.

Austin’s humility amid praise stands out. He views the ordeal as something he simply had to do for his family, refusing to accept “hero” status outright. Yet his actions prevented a potential tragedy, earning him widespread acclaim as a symbol of bravery, family loyalty, and resilience in crisis.

This episode reminds us how ordinary moments can turn extraordinary—and how one young person’s resolve can change everything. In a world often focused on division, Austin Appelbee’s story unites people in admiration for quiet, selfless courage.