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Geographe Bay

Geographe Bay

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Family rescued from Geographe Bay, WA after being swept out to sea; 13-year-old son swam for help.

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About

Geographe Bay, located in southwestern Western Australia, is the site of a recent incident involving the Appelbee family. While vacationing in Quindalup, the family was swept approximately 4km out to sea while using a kayak and inflatable paddleboards hired from their resort. The incident became newsworthy when the mother, Joanne Appelbee, made the difficult decision to send her 13-year-old son, Austin, to swim for help. Austin swam for four hours in rough conditions and fading light to raise the alarm, leading to the rescue of his mother and two younger siblings. WorkSafe WA has initiated inquiries into the resort's safety practices regarding the rental of watercraft. The event highlights the potential dangers of ocean activities and the bravery of a young boy in a crisis.
Last updated: May 11, 2026