Boy swims four hours through rough seas to save mother and siblings off Western Australia | Western Australia

A 13-year-old boy swam for four hours in faded light and harsh conditions to save his mother and two younger siblings who were swept out to sea in southwestern Western Australia on Friday evening.

The family were holidaying in Quindalup, 250 kilometers south of Perth, when high winds pushed inflatable paddleboards and kayaks offshore into Geographe Bay.

The boy attempted to swim back to shore in the canoe to get help, but the ship took on water, forcing him to swim 4 kilometers to shore and successfully setting off the alarm.

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Western Australian police received a report at 6pm on Friday that a family had been washed out to sea and a multi-agency search and rescue operation was mobilised, including WA water police, local sea rescue volunteers and Western Australia’s rescue helicopter.

A 47-year-old woman, a 12-year-old boy and an 8-year-old girl were found clinging to a paddleboard near the rescue helicopter at 8.30pm.

A volunteer sea rescue vessel was diverted to their location and all three were successfully rescued.

Naturaliste Volunteer Sea Rescue Commander Paul Bresland said the family were found about 14km offshore and had been treading water for hours in rough seas before they were found. ABC reported.

Bresland said the 13-year-old boy gave a detailed description of the color of the kayaks and paddleboards, which was invaluable to the search effort.

It also revealed that the 13-year-old boy swam for two hours wearing his life jacket, and then swam for another two hours without it.

The family were assessed by St John WA paramedics before being transported to the Busselton health campus for medical assessment.

A spokesman for St John WA said it was an “extraordinary rescue” and “praised the young boy for his brave actions”.

South West police inspector James Bradley thanked those involved in the successful rescue operation and said it was a reminder that ocean conditions can change rapidly.

“Fortunately, all three people were wearing life jackets, which contributed to their survival,” he said.

“The 13-year-old’s actions cannot be praised enough; his determination and courage ultimately saved the lives of his mother and siblings.”