Audio has emerged of 13-year-old hero Austin Appelbee’s triple-0 call, after the teenager swam 4km against the current to get help for his stranded mother and siblings.

On the southwest coast of WA on January 30, Austin’s family hired paddle boards and a kayak, and headed into the ocean of the expansive Geographe Bay, 200km south of Perth.

The group got into trouble and Austin swam against the current before running some 2km along the beach to find a phone and call for help.

His heroics made international headlines.

He and his family have all been discharged from hospital, having escaped serious injury.

On Wednesday, police released part of the recording of Austin’s triple-0 call, made as the teenager says he feels hypothermia symptoms.

Austin Appelbee’s heroic composure has been lauded by WA Police. Picture: ABC
“We couldn’t get back to shore and mum told me to go back to get help. I haven’t seen them since then,” he tells the emergency services call taker.

“I think they’re kilometres out to sea. I think we need a helicopter to go find them. I’m sitting on the beach right now, I think I need an ambulance because I think I’ve got hypothermia.

“I don’t know what their condition is right now and I’m really scared.”

Austin goes on to give clear details about the time the group went into the water, the colours of their paddle boards, but says he can no longer see his family.

“Mum said, ‘Go get help’. We were in massive trouble,” Austin said.

With the permission of Austin’s mum, police released the audio and commended Austin to the highest degree.

Austin’s mother stayed with her younger children while the 13-year-old swam kilometres to shore for help. Picture: ABC
“What Austin did was nothing short of extraordinary,” Acting Sergeant Andrew McDonnell said.

“His bravery and courage in those conditions were remarkable, and his actions were pivotal in bringing about a successful outcome,” the officer in charge of the search said.

“The situation the Appelbee family found themselves in was extremely dire. They were in real trouble, and time was absolutely critical given how long they had been in the water and with daylight fading.

“By getting himself to safety and relaying critical information, he helped enable a co-ordinated response involving WA Police, local Marine Rescue volunteers and St John Ambulance – all people who live in and serve this community, many of whom do so as volunteers.”

Source: https://www.news.com.au/national/western-australia/police-release-audio-of-heroic-teens-triple0-call/news-story/9c0da4f0717a29b7ac8c3be81d7ac859