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Teen Swims Hours for Family Rescue
8 Oct
Summary
- Teen swam four hours through rough seas to save family.
- A two-kilometer run located a phone to call for help.
- Awards recognize bravery in saving lives from danger.
A Perth teenager's exceptional bravery in saving his family has been recognized with a prestigious civilian award. Eight months ago, Austin Appelbee, then 13, was paddleboarding with his family off Quindalup when they were swept far offshore.
Austin undertook a perilous four-hour swim through dangerous open water to reach shore. He then ran two kilometers to find a phone and contact emergency services, initiating a rescue mission.
Rescuers located his mother and two younger siblings after they had drifted approximately 14 kilometers out to sea and spent ten hours in the water. The Royal Humane Society of Australasia awarded Austin the Clarke Gold Medal for his outstanding bravery and commitment to saving lives.
His mother, Joanne Appelbee, also received a Certificate of Merit for her difficult and courageous decision to send Austin for help while staying with the younger children. Other bravery awards were also presented, honoring acts of courage in various life-threatening situations.
