A 13-year-old boy has been praised for his determination after he swam through rough waters in fading light to save his mother and two siblings who had been swept out to sea off Australia's coast. The family had been paddleboarding and kayaking in Geographe Bay, near Quindalup in Western Australia, on Friday when strong winds pushed their inflatables off course, police said. The teenager began to paddle back to shore to raise the alarm but his kayak took on water - so he swam the remaining 4km (2 nautical miles). The bravery, strength and courage shown by this family were extraordinary, especially the young fella who swam 4km to raise the alarm, said Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue Group. The group's commander Paul Bresland referred to the teenager's efforts as superhuman. He swam for two hours with a life jacket before deciding to discard it, believing he would swim faster without it. He managed to raise the alarm by 18:00 local time, prompting a multi-agency search for his relatives. Eventually, the mother and her children—aged 12 and 8—were found 14km offshore, clinging to a paddleboard. They were successfully rescued and returned to shore. Officials have emphasized the importance of wearing life jackets when engaging in water activities, as the family's survival hinged on their preparedness.
Heroic 13-Year-Old Swims 4km Through Rough Waves to Save Family
Heroic 13-Year-Old Swims 4km Through Rough Waves to Save Family
A brave young boy became a hero after swimming 4 kilometers through challenging waters to rescue his family stranded off the coast of Australia. His impressive feat showcases extraordinary courage and determination.
In a remarkable act of bravery, a 13-year-old boy swam 4 kilometers through rough seas to alert rescuers after his family was swept away while paddleboarding in Geographe Bay, Western Australia. Battling dangerous conditions as night fell, he swam without life jacket for part of the journey, successfully raising the alarm and ultimately saving his mother and siblings. This extraordinary incident highlights the importance of safety and preparedness while engaging in water activities.
