We often hear there’s nothing a mother wouldn’t do for her child, but what about what a child would do for their mother? Austin Appelbee, his mother, Joanne, his 12-year-old brother, Beau, and his 8-year-old sister, Grace, planned for a fun day of paddleboarding off the coast of Australia. But things took a turn when rough waters washed them out to sea. The 13-year-old knew that if he was going to save his family, he’d have to go back to shore for help. Austin tried to use his kayak, but it took on too much water. So he began swimming and continued for two hours and 2.5 miles. Naturaliste Marine Rescue commander Paul Bresland told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. Austin is “superhuman.” Austin Appelbee Doesn’t Consider Himself a Hero Austin navigated rough waters but never gave up. His mom told the ABC she needed Austin’s help. “One of the hardest decisions I ever had to make was to say to Austin, ‘try and get to shore and get some help, this could get really serious really quickly’,” Joanna said. “I knew he was the strongest and he could do it,” she added. “I would have never went because I wouldn’t have left the kids at sea, so I had to send somebody.” Austin admitted the situation scared him, but he had to keep moving to save his family. “I was trying to get the happiest things in my head, and trying to make it through, [and not think of] the bad things that will distract me,” he said. “And at this time, you know, the waves are massive, and I have no life jacket on … I just kept thinking ‘just keep swimming, just keep swimming.” When he finally reached the shore, he ran to the emergency phone for help. “I said, ‘I need helicopters, I need planes, I need boats, my family’s out at sea.’ I was very calm about it,” he said. If it weren’t for Austin Appelbee’s bravery, this story could have had a much more tragic ending. “This incident is a reminder that ocean conditions can change rapidly. Thankfully, all three people were wearing lifejackets, which contributed to their survival,” Inspector James Bradley, South West District Office, said in a statement.“The actions of the 13-year-old boy cannot be praised highly enough – his determination and courage ultimately saved the lives of his mother and siblings.” This story’s featured image can be found here.