On a family holiday in Quindalup, Western Australia, a dramatic incident unfolded for the Appelbee family. Joanne Appelbee faced one of the toughest decisions of her life. When their inflatable paddleboards and kayak were swept away by strong winds, she knew she had to act quickly. Joanne made the gut-wrenching choice to send her 13-year-old son, Austin, to swim back to shore for help.
“It was hard,” she reflected. “I didn’t want to leave my kids out there.” The family had just been enjoying a day at the beach when the weather took a dangerous turn. As their equipment drifted further away, they found themselves in a precarious situation. “The wind picked up, and it all went wrong very quickly,” Joanne recalled.
While Austin braved the waves, Joanne and her younger children, Beau and Grace, were left adrift, battling the cold and darkness. Joanne feared they might not be rescued. “I had to keep my kids close,” she said. “I heard Grace screaming but couldn’t find Beau.”
Austin managed to swim 4 kilometers to reach the shore. “When I hit the land, it felt surreal,” he recalled. After reaching his mother’s bag, he called emergency services. “I calmly asked for helicopters and boats. I was in shock,” he shared. Exhausted, he fainted shortly after making the call.
Meanwhile, the family drifted further out to sea. Search teams found them clinging to a paddleboard about 14 kilometers offshore. Joanne was relieved when help arrived. “It felt like a nightmare, but then came hope,” she said.
Statistics reveal that about 160 people drown in Australia each year, highlighting the dangers of water activities. This incident reinforces the importance of water safety. According to experts, stronger awareness and education in swimming and emergency response can save lives.
After the ordeal, the Appelbee family received medical attention for minor injuries. Austin was back to school soon, though he needed crutches due to sore legs. “I didn’t think I was a hero,” he said modestly; his quick thinking and bravery made all the difference.
Police inspector James Bradley praised Austin’s actions, calling them heroic. “His determination and courage ultimately saved lives,” he noted. This incident is a reminder of how quickly conditions can change in the ocean and the critical importance of safety measures while enjoying water activities. For more information on water safety protocols, you can visit the Royal Life Saving Society.
The family is now safe, and although they are still processing the event, they find strength in each other. As Joanne said, “In the end, we had a perfect ending—well and happy.”
