WA Ocean Rescues Trigger Urgent Calls for Swimming Lesson Overhaul
A recent surge in marine rescues off Western Australia’s South West coast is sparking a critical conversation about the focus of children’s swimming lessons. Experts and families are increasingly advocating for a shift towards prioritizing survival skills over purely technical proficiency in the water.
The Appelbee Family and Max Herbert: Stories of Resilience
The dramatic rescue of the Appelbee family, where 13-year-old Austin Appelbee swam four kilometers to shore to raise the alarm, highlighted the dangers of the region’s beaches and the importance of robust swimming skills. Just weeks prior, Austin had even failed a VacSwim assessment, demonstrating that traditional swimming programs don’t always fully prepare individuals for real-world ocean conditions.
Similarly, the harrowing experience of 13-year-old Max Herbert, who was swept 800 metres out to sea at Cosy Corner near Hamelin Bay, underscores the require for preparedness. Max, who has non-verbal autism, was able to stay afloat for two hours thanks to his existing swimming skills and, crucially, an angel ring installed by Recfishwest. His mother, Jodi Herbert, emphasized the traumatic experience and the helplessness she felt, but also the life-saving impact of his swimming ability.
Beyond Technique: The Importance of Survival Skills
South West swim instructor Charlotte O’Beirne believes a greater emphasis on survival skills is essential. “Swimming in the ocean isn’t just about being able to swim, it’s about understanding the wind, the waves, the currents, the rocks, the rips — so many things,” she explained. She noted that a child’s ability to simply pass a swimming assessment doesn’t necessarily equate to their ability to survive in challenging ocean conditions.
Royal Life Saving Australia’s 2025 Drowning Report confirms the heightened risk, identifying ocean beaches as the most common location for drownings in Western Australia. This data reinforces the need for a proactive approach to water safety education.
Challenging Conditions and the South West Coast
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Jonathan How explained that the conditions experienced by the Appelbee family were typical for the South West coast during summer, characterized by stronger winds and challenging currents. These conditions demand a higher level of preparedness and a skillset that extends beyond basic swimming technique.
The Role of Angel Rings and Community Support
The rescue of Max Herbert was directly aided by a Recfishwest angel ring, which kept him afloat for over two hours although help arrived. This incident highlights the importance of readily available safety equipment and the quick thinking of community members, including local fishers and an off-duty police officer who bravely swam to assist him.
FAQ: Ocean Safety and Swimming Lessons
- What are survival swimming skills? Survival swimming skills include treading water, floating, recognizing and escaping rips, and swimming efficiently in challenging conditions.
- Is VacSwim enough? While VacSwim provides basic skills, it may not fully prepare individuals for the complexities of ocean swimming.
- What can parents do? Focus on ensuring children develop strong survival skills in addition to traditional swimming technique. Don’t turn into complacent about water safety.
- What should I do if caught in a rip? Don’t panic. Float and signal for help. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the rip.
Pro Tip: Always swim between the flags at patrolled beaches and listen to the advice of lifeguards.
Did you know? Austin Appelbee’s heroic swim occurred despite recently failing a state-run swimming program, demonstrating the limitations of standardized assessments in predicting real-world survival skills.
The recent rescues serve as a powerful reminder of the ocean’s inherent dangers and the critical importance of equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge to stay safe. Continued dialogue and a renewed focus on survival swimming are vital to preventing future tragedies.
Learn More: Explore resources on water safety from Royal Life Saving WA and Recfishwest.
