WorkSafe WA Initiates Inquiries After Family Rescued at Sea Off Quindalup Coast
WorkSafe WA has initiated preliminary inquiries into a hotel that rented a kayak and inflatable paddleboards to a family later rescued at sea. The incident occurred when the Appelbee family, vacationing in Quindalup, 200km south of Perth, was pushed offshore from Geographe Bay by strong winds on a Friday afternoon.
Rescue Details
Joanne Appelbee, the mother, sent her 13-year-old son, Austin, to swim approximately four hours to shore to alert emergency services.
After Austin reached safety, his mother, brother Beau (12), and sister Grace (8) were located drifting and clinging to a paddleboard about 14km offshore around 8:30 pm.
Investigations Underway
A WorkSafe WA spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that the agency is aware of the incident and is making "initial enquiries," though not yet formally notified. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) also stated it was alerted and is conducting inquiries.
Hotel's Response
Club Wyndham Resort, where the family was staying, denied wrongdoing in a statement on Wednesday.
A spokesperson stated guests use resort equipment on a complimentary basis, and staff had no reason for alarm.
The resort noted guests are aware the beach is outside resort grounds, unpatrolled, and not directly visible from the resort. Despite this, a safety review is being conducted.
Water Safety Advice
Professor Rob Brander from UNSW's beach safety research group highlighted that calm ocean surfaces near coastlines often result from strong offshore winds, creating a surface drift that can pull individuals far from shore.
He cautioned against using inflatable watercraft in the ocean, comparing them to sails that are easily caught by the wind.
Surf Life Saving (SLS) WA general manager Chris Peck emphasized that hazardous situations can arise without waves, swell, or rips. He encouraged beachgoers to seek patrolled beaches, stay between flags, and consider the different safety implications of using inflatables in a pool versus the dynamic ocean environment. Both experts advised a few minutes of pre-entry safety consideration and, if in doubt, to refrain from entering the water.