THE WAVE TAKER

Imagine being a young teen kid, just hanging out on the paddleboard. You’re watching your mom and siblings paddle and talk, overall it’s a peaceful moment. Then suddenly you’re all push out into the sea by the currents. Fear is coursing through your entire body, heart pounding while screaming for help.

During a nice day in January of 2026, off the coast of Western Australia, a teen boy and his family were paddleboarding. The weather had suddenly picked up, sweeping the family off into the sea. The young 13 year old, Austin Appelbee, knew he had to do something to save his mom and siblings.

Without a life jacket, he bravely dove into the water, swimming a whooping 2.5 miles. In the span of 4 hours, he finally reached the shore. Once he found help, rescuers found his mom and siblings, a whole 10 hours after they first became stranded and drifted out. A quick check proved everyone was okay and nothing fatal had occurred.

It is truly amazing how hard Austin pushed himself for the sake of his family. He fought the rough waves and dominated the chilly waters just to seek help. He is a wonderful example of courage and selflessness. Though it was a happy ending for this family, it is also an important reminder for everyone else.

Though beautiful and huge, the ocean and its tough waters can be extremely dangerous. It can be terrifying but it’s our job to care for it and to have bravery like Austin showed his loved one. To want to support and take the risks needed to save our oceans. That goes for the water, what lives in it, and what thrives off it.