WA safety probe opened after resort gear rental linked to family drift at sea

WorkSafe WA has begun initial enquiries into the hotel that supplied a kayak and inflatable paddleboards to the Appelbee family, who were swept offshore at Geographe Bay. Thirteen-year-old Austin swam four hours to raise the alarm as his mother and siblings were rescued about 14km offshore. The Club Wyndham Resort says guests can use resort equipment on a complimentary basis and is conducting a safety review, while AMSA also said it was investigating. Experts warn inflatable watercraft can be hazardous and offshore winds can push calm water into dangerous conditions.