By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada 3/2/2026

A 13-year-old boy in Australia has been credited with helping save his family after they were swept far from shore during a coastal outing, authorities said.

The incident occurred off the coast of Western Australia, where the boy had been on the water with his mother and two younger siblings. Strong winds and shifting ocean currents pulled the group away from land, leaving them struggling to return safely.

Decision to Swim for Help

As conditions worsened and their distance from shore increased, the teenager made the decision to attempt a solo swim back to land in order to get help. He initially used flotation equipment but was eventually forced to swim unaided as the journey became more difficult.

Battling waves, fatigue and cold water, the boy continued swimming for several hours. Authorities later said the distance covered was significant and required both physical endurance and determination.

After finally reaching shore, the boy sought assistance and contacted emergency services, providing details about his family’s last known location.

Search and Rescue Operation

Following the alert, a coordinated rescue effort was launched involving marine and air support. Search crews worked into the evening to locate the remaining family members, who had managed to stay together while drifting farther out to sea.

Rescuers eventually found the boy’s mother and two siblings clinging to flotation equipment. They were brought safely back to shore, where medical teams assessed them for exhaustion and exposure.

Officials confirmed that all three survived the ordeal and were treated at the scene.

Praise for Courage and Preparedness

Emergency responders praised the teenager’s courage and quick thinking, noting that his decision to swim for help played a critical role in the successful rescue.

Authorities also emphasized that the family’s use of life jackets helped them remain afloat while awaiting rescue, highlighting the importance of safety equipment when spending time in open water.

Safety Reminder

Officials used the incident as a reminder of how quickly conditions can change along the coast. They urged residents and visitors to check weather and sea conditions carefully and to stay close to shore, particularly when children are involved.

Read More: Bill Blair Appointed Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom

BMO Fined $4 Million Over Improper Fees Charged to Customers

Follow GhanaianNewsCanada for more Canadian news and Diaspora updates and kindly like and comment