Imagine being just 13 years old, stranded in the open ocean, and knowing your family’s lives depend on your every stroke. That’s exactly what Austin Appelbee faced when a fun day of paddleboarding and kayaking south of Perth, Australia, turned into a harrowing fight for survival. But here’s where it gets even more astonishing: this young teen swam over 4 kilometers against massive waves to reach shore and raise the alarm, all while repeating to himself, 'Not today.'
The ordeal began around 6 p.m. on Friday when rough conditions swept Austin and his family out to sea. Realizing the danger, Austin tried to kayak back to shore to get help. However, his kayak began taking on water, forcing him to abandon it and swim the entire distance. To keep himself going, he thought of his family and relied on a mix of breaststroke, freestyle, and survival backstroke techniques. 'I just said, 'Not today, not today, not today,' he told Nine News, recalling his mantra during the grueling swim. Once he reached the beach, exhausted but determined, he collapsed briefly before sprinting two more kilometers to find a phone.
Meanwhile, Austin’s mother, Joanne, and his two siblings were stranded 14 kilometers offshore, clinging to a paddleboard for over eight hours. Thankfully, they were eventually rescued, and Joanne couldn’t help but express her awe for her son’s bravery. 'There’s no bigger word to describe him other than proud,' she said. She also emphasized the importance of teaching children to swim from a young age, a skill she believes saved their lives.
And this is the part most people miss: While Austin’s story is undeniably inspiring, it also raises a controversial question—should young teens be expected to shoulder such immense responsibility in life-or-death situations? Or is this a testament to the resilience and capability of children when properly prepared?** What do you think? Is Austin’s heroism a call to empower kids with survival skills, or does it highlight the risks of putting them in such situations? Share your thoughts in the comments below!**
