A 13-year-old Australian boy is being hailed as a hero after swimming for hours through rough, frigid waters and then running more than a mile to get help, saving his mother and two siblings after they were swept out to sea.

Austin Appelbee was vacationing with his family near Quindalup, south of Perth, when strong winds and waves pushed his mother, Joanne, his brother Beau, 13, and his 8-year-old sister Grace far into Geographe Bay. The family had been using paddleboards and a kayak when conditions suddenly worsened.

After receiving instructions from his mother, Austin set off alone toward shore, paddling and swimming for roughly four hours. At one point, he ditched his life jacket to move faster, despite the growing waves and cold water.

By the time he reached land, Austin collapsed from exhaustion. But the ordeal wasn’t over. He forced himself back to his feet and ran nearly two kilometers to find a phone, finally reaching help around 6 p.m.

Rescue crews were dispatched immediately. Volunteer marine rescue boats and helicopters located the stranded family around 8:30 p.m., bringing them safely back to shore later that evening. Authorities credited Austin’s detailed description of his family and their position as crucial to the successful rescue.

Emergency responders and officials described the boy’s endurance and determination as “extraordinary” and “superhuman.”

Austin, however, downplayed his own role, saying he felt God’s presence carried him through the ordeal.

“I don’t think it was actually me,” he said. “I kept praying the whole time. I just kept thinking, ‘keep swimming.’”

He said he focused on positive thoughts, including his family, friends, and even childhood favorites, to block out fear as the waves battered him.

His mother called her son “absolutely amazing,” saying the family was overwhelmed with gratitude.

The incident left even seasoned rescuers shaken. What would have tested a trained adult, Austin faced alone, armed with faith, resolve, and a refusal to quit.