Perth teenager wins bravery medal after swimming 4 kilometres to save family
After his family was swept offshore on paddleboards, Austin swam 4km to shore and alerted police, saving them all.
Austin Appelbee, 14, was awarded the Clarke Gold Medal, the Royal Humane Society of Australasia's highest national honour, for his ocean rescue. Austin swam 4 kilometres back to shore earlier this year after his mother Joanne and siblings Beau and Grace were swept offshore on paddleboards at Quindalup, about 250 kilometres south of Perth.
He then ran 2 kilometres to alert police. The family had taken to the water when conditions seemed calm, but waves grew stronger, they lost their oars and their kayak began to sink.
Austin's mother made a hard decision to send her then 13-year-old son back to shore for help. All were rescued safely.
Joanne was awarded a Certificate of Merit for the strong leadership that made the rescue possible. Austin gave credit to his siblings and mother for their strength.
- 4 kilometres
- Distance Austin swam to shore
- 2 kilometres
- Distance Austin ran to police
- Quindalup, 250km south of Perth
- Location of incident
- 13 years old
- Austin's age during rescue
Why it mattersQuick thinking and courage from a teenager can save lives. Austin's actions turned what could have been a disaster into a successful rescue.
AustraliaAustin's rescue has inspired Australians and shows the importance of water safety awareness among families enjoying coastal recreation.
Corroborated byabc.net.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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