A 13-year-old Western Australian boy has been hailed as a true hero after an extraordinary act of bravery that saved his mother and two younger siblings from being lost at sea. Austin Appelbee’s determination captured national attention when he swam approximately 4 kilometers (about 2.5 miles) through rough, cold waters off Geographe Bay near Dunsborough, then ran an additional 2 kilometers to raise the alarm. The effort, described by rescuers as “superhuman,” prompted Western Australia Premier Roger Cook to personally write a heartfelt letter commending the teenager for his “true bravery” and inviting him and his family to Parliament House.

The incident unfolded on a Friday afternoon in late January 2026, when the Appelbee family—mother Joanne, 47, Austin, his 12-year-old brother Beau, and 8-year-old sister Grace—set out for what was meant to be a fun kayaking and paddleboarding outing. Conditions turned treacherous quickly as strong currents and large waves swept them far from shore. The family found themselves drifting helplessly, clinging to paddleboards, with fading light and growing fear that rescue might not come in time. Joanne made one of the hardest decisions of her life: she asked Austin to attempt returning to shore for help, knowing she could not abandon her younger children.

Austin initially paddled back on his kayak, but it soon took on water in the choppy seas. Undeterred, he abandoned the vessel and began swimming. For the first two hours, he kept his life jacket on, but realizing it was slowing him down and fearing he might not make it, he ditched it and powered through the remaining distance without flotation. He focused on positive thoughts—”Not today, not today”—to keep going amid the exhaustion, cold, and rough conditions. Police noted the waters were known to contain sharks, adding to the peril, though Austin later downplayed his fear, saying he simply did what needed to be done.

After four grueling hours, Austin reached the beach near Quindalup. Exhausted and emotional, he sprinted another 2 kilometers to find help, eventually reaching a phone to alert authorities around 6 p.m. He called his father in tears, convinced he had taken too long and that his family had perished. The relief was overwhelming when rescuers later confirmed otherwise. A helicopter located Joanne, Beau, and Grace clinging to a paddleboard about 14 kilometers offshore around 8:30 p.m., and they were safely brought to land.

Western Australia Police Inspector James Bradley praised Austin’s actions without reservation: “The actions of the 13-year-old boy cannot be praised highly enough—his determination and courage ultimately saved the lives of his mother and siblings.” Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue Group commander Paul Bresland called the swim “superhuman,” highlighting the teenager’s refusal to give up despite overwhelming odds.

The story quickly spread, drawing widespread admiration. Premier Roger Cook, moved by the boy’s selflessness, penned a personal letter to Austin, describing his effort as an example of “true bravery” that embodied the best of Western Australians. The Premier extended an invitation for Austin and his family to visit Parliament House, where he plans to thank the young hero in person and recognize his extraordinary courage. The letter has touched hearts across the country, with many seeing it as official acknowledgment of a selfless act that could have ended in tragedy.

Austin himself remains humble. In interviews, he insisted, “I don’t think I am a hero—I just did what I did.” He recounted focusing on survival and family, pushing through physical limits to reach shore. Joanne Appelbee spoke of the anguish she felt sending her son into danger alone, calling it one of the toughest choices a parent could face. She expressed immense gratitude and pride, noting how Austin’s quick thinking and endurance gave rescuers the critical time needed to locate them before nightfall fully set in.

The rescue highlighted the dangers of coastal waters in the region, where sudden currents can sweep even experienced paddlers far offshore. Authorities have used the incident to reinforce water safety messages, urging families to check conditions, wear life jackets consistently, and carry communication devices. Austin’s story serves as a powerful reminder of youthful resilience and the unbreakable bonds of family.

Public reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media platforms overflow with praise, with many calling for Austin to receive formal recognition such as a bravery award or nomination for young hero honors. Comments describe him as a “real-life superhero” whose actions inspire hope and courage in others. The family’s ordeal, once terrifying, has become a testament to human spirit—proof that one determined individual can turn despair into survival.

As Austin recovers from the physical toll and the family processes the close call, the Premier’s letter stands as a poignant symbol of gratitude. It reminds everyone that heroes often emerge in ordinary moments, wearing no capes but driven by love and unbreakable will. In a world quick to highlight negativity, Austin Appelbee’s story shines as a beacon of bravery, proving that even at 13, one person can make all the difference.