Hero teenager swims 4km to rescue family stranded in ocean off Dunsborough
A mother and her two children have been rescued off the coast of Quindalup after her eldest child, who was swept out to sea with them, swam four kilometres back to shore in fading light to get help.
The family had been kayaking and paddleboarding in Geographe Bay when they were swept out to sea in rough conditions.
However, the 13-year-old tried to kayak back to shore to sound the alarm, but his kayak took on water, forcing him to swim four kilometres to land.
A search was launched and the woman, 47, a boy, 12, and a girl, 8, were found about 8.30pm clinging to a paddleboard about 14 kilometres offshore.
WA Police South West District Inspector James Bradley said the rescue was a reminder that ocean conditions could change rapidly.
“Thankfully, all three people were wearing lifejackets, which contributed to their survival,” he said.
“The actions of the 13-year-old boy cannot be praised highly enough – his determination and courage ultimately saved the lives of his mother and siblings.”
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