A 13-year-old boy is being hailed for his extraordinary bravery after saving his mother and two younger siblings from a dangerous situation off the coast of Western Australia. The family was swept out to sea on Friday afternoon while holidaying in Quindalup, located 200km south of Perth.
Remarkable Rescue in Geographe Bay
Strong winds pushed the family’s inflatable paddleboards and kayak offshore in Geographe Bay. The 13-year-old initially attempted to paddle back to shore in the kayak to seek help, but the vessel became swamped with water. Undeterred, he then embarked on a four-hour swim, covering a distance of 4km, to raise the alarm.
Western Australia Police were alerted to the situation at 6pm on Friday, initiating a large-scale, multi-agency search and rescue operation. The response included WA water police, local marine rescue volunteers, and the Western Australia rescue helicopter.
The search teams located the 47-year-old mother, a 12-year-old boy, and an 8-year-old girl at 8:30pm. They were found clinging to a paddleboard. A volunteer marine rescue vessel then successfully retrieved all three from the water.
According to Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue commander Paul Bresland, the family had been treading water in rough seas for hours before being found. Bresland also emphasized the crucial role the 13-year-old played in the rescue, noting that his detailed description of the kayaks and paddleboards proved invaluable to search efforts.
The teenager’s ordeal wasn’t over after reaching shore. He swam for two hours while wearing a lifejacket, and then continued for another two hours after removing it.
All four family members were assessed by St John WA paramedics and transported to Busselton health campus. A spokesperson for St John WA described the rescue as “remarkable” and commended the teenage boy’s “brave actions.”
South West police inspector James Bradley echoed this sentiment, thanking all those involved in the rescue and reminding the public that ocean conditions can change rapidly. He also highlighted the importance of lifejackets, stating, “Thankfully, all three people were wearing lifejackets, which contributed to their survival.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What time did the rescue operation begin?
The Western Australia Police received a report at 6pm on Friday that a family had been swept out to sea, and the search and rescue operation was mobilized at that time.
How far offshore was the family located?
The family was located approximately 14km offshore, according to Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue’s commander, Paul Bresland.
What role did the 13-year-old play in the rescue?
The 13-year-old swam 4km to shore to raise the alarm and provided a detailed description of the family’s kayaks and paddleboards, which aided search efforts.
Given the challenging conditions and the length of time the family spent in the water, what preventative measures might others take when participating in water activities?
