(Dunsborough, Western Australia, February 2, 2026) — A 13-year-old boy swam 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) in shark-infested waters to reach shore and get help after he and his family were swept out to sea off the coast of Western Australia, according to multiple news reports.
The teenager’s courageous swim enabled him to alert authorities and lead rescuers to his family, who were stranded for hours.
- A 13-year-old boy swam 4km to shore after being swept out to sea with his family.
- The incident occurred off the coast of Dunsborough, Western Australia.
- The boy reportedly swam in waters known to contain sharks.
- All members of the family were rescued and are safe.
The boy and his family were caught in a rip current while swimming at a beach near Dunsborough on Saturday, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported. After being pulled out to sea, the teenager made the daring decision to swim to shore to seek help.
“It’s an incredible feat for a 13-year-old,” a spokesperson for the Western Australia Police told The Australian. “The water was rough, and there were reports of sharks in the area. He showed remarkable courage and resilience.”
The Rescue Operation
After reaching the shore, the boy alerted local residents who contacted emergency services. Marine rescue teams and police were dispatched to the scene, and a search operation was launched to locate the rest of the family, according to the BBC.
The family – consisting of the boy’s parents and two younger siblings – were found clinging to a floating object approximately 2 kilometers offshore. They were exhausted and suffering from mild hypothermia but were otherwise unharmed, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.
“They were incredibly relieved to see us,” said a volunteer with the Marine Rescue Dunsborough team. “The boy’s quick thinking and bravery undoubtedly saved their lives.”
“He’s a very brave young man,” said a police spokesperson. “To swim that distance in those conditions is just extraordinary.”
Shark Concerns
Authorities confirmed that the area where the family was stranded is known to be frequented by sharks, adding to the danger faced by the teenager during his swim, according to The Australian. Despite the risk, he remained focused on reaching safety and getting help for his family.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of rip currents and the importance of swimming at patrolled beaches, authorities said.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by BBC, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, SMH.com.au, and The Australian and added independent analysis and context.
