A hero teenager who swam, kayaked and ran for more than 6km to save his stranded family has been awarded the Australian Army Cadets’ highest honour.

Austin Appelbee has been recognised for his immense act of bravery after his family was swept out to sea off the Western Australian coast last month.

The 13-year-old, who is an Army Cadet, was kayaking and paddleboarding with his mother, Joanne, and younger siblings, eight-year-old Beau and 12-year-old Grace, in Geographe Bay, near Quindalup, on January 30.

The group set off at 11am but ran into trouble when the sea suddenly turned rough and large waves swept them 4km from shore.

Joanne made the difficult decision to allow Austin to swim back for help.

The determined teenager abandoned his kayak, which was taking on water, and spent four hours battling rough seas before he hit the shore.

Once he reached land, he ran 2km to a hotel to phone for help.

‘Hello, my name’s Austin. I have two siblings, Beau and Grace. We went out on a kayak and paddle board trip and we got took out to sea and got lost out there,’ he told the triple-zero operator.

Hero teen Austin Appelbee is pictured with his brother and father after being awarded the Australian Army Cadets Gold Commendation

Austin, 13, swam 4km to shore and then ran a further 2km to call for help

Austin receives his medal this week after his brave act to save his family

His efforts led authorities to rescue his mother and siblings, who had drifted more than 14km from shore by the time they were found.

Austin, who parades with the 50 Army Cadet Unit in Perth’s east, was given an Australian Army Cadets Gold Commendation in recognition of his bravery.

The award recognises a cadet who demonstrates superior achievement, judgement or dedication to duty, and has made a positive impact on the Australian Army Cadets.

Australian Army Cadets Commander David McCammon said Austin had ‘displayed determination and courage expected of individuals far older than his years’.

‘His ability to overcome fear and fatigue and focus on his singular objective – to save his family – was, to say the least, exceptional,’ Brigadier McCammon said.

‘I know I speak for every member of the Cadets and probably the Australian Army and greater Defence Force when I say you and your actions exemplify the values which we hold dear, and commend you for your awe-inspiring act – outstanding.’

An Australian Army spokesman said the teenager’s bravery ‘inspires us all’.

Police Forward Commander Acting Sergeant Andrew McDonnell said Austin’s calm demeanor contributed to the search’s successful outcome.

Joanne Appelbee, 47, and her three children were on the water at Quindalup, 250km south of Perth, when strong winds pushed their kayaks and paddleboards out to sea last Friday

Within an hour of the search being launched, the family was found treading water

‘What Austin did was nothing short of extraordinary. His bravery and courage in those conditions were remarkable, and his actions were pivotal in bringing about a successful outcome,’ he said.

WA Police also welcomed the idea of Austin joining the force when he was of age.

‘His composure and ability to make critical decisions in an emergency situation reflect the qualities the agency seeks in its future recruits, and the WA Police Force hopes to join forces with him in the future,’ it said.