SYDNEY, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- An Australian teenager who swam and kayaked 4 km to get help after his family was swept out to sea has been awarded the Australian Army Cadets' highest honor.
Austin Appelbee, 13, was with his mother and two siblings when their inflatable paddleboards and kayak were pushed out to sea in rough Indian Ocean conditions near the town of Quindalup in southwest Western Australia on Jan. 30.
Sent by his mother to seek help, Austin swam and kayaked 4 km back to shore over four hours before running another 2 km to find a phone and contact emergency services, who eventually found his mother and siblings clinging to a paddleboard after drifting 14 km offshore.
The 13-year-old was praised as a hero following the rescue and local media reported on Thursday night that he was awarded the Gold Commendation by the Army Cadets, of which he is a member, in recognition of his bravery.
The Gold Commendation is the cadets' highest honor and is awarded for superior achievement or devotion to duty through the application of outstanding skills, judgment and dedication.
Authorities said at the time that Austin's determination and courage had saved the lives of his mother and siblings. ■
