Updated Wednesday, 4 February 2026
LIFESAVI N G BUOY—the APPLEBEE BUOY
When his family were blown out to sea by the weather in Australia, while on holiday, he swam back for 3 HOURS to shore to get help! But our hero was not done yet. He ran for a mile in order to get help to have his mother, brother and sister rescued. By the time they were eventually located in the dark, they had already been blown out 9 miles from shore, still hanging on to paddleboards and life jackets. Off the WA coast, Austin and his family found themselves in serious danger when their inflatable paddleboards were dragged further and further out to sea. The wind picked up. The water became increasingly rough. Panic crept in. And in a moment no parent ever wants to face, Austin’s mum made a desperate decision — sending her son back toward shore in a leaking kayak to get help.
The kayak failed.
So Austin made another choice. He abandoned the kayak. Then the life jacket, which was slowing his progress. And he began to swim. For four hours.
Against waves and wind. In open ocean. In waters known to be frequented by sharks. As exhaustion set in and fear threatened to take over, he focused on a single thought that kept him moving forward — trusting God and telling himself: N ot today. I have to keep going. Eventually, Austin reached shore. His legs gave way beneath him, but he got back up and ran another two kilometres to call emergency services.
His family was rescued just as darkness fell The Applebee FAMILY !!!
Maggie Marriott
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