Australind couple rescued at Koombana Bay

Peter Xanthis and his partner Ricarda had decided to spend their long weekend exploring the South West in an effort to keep their boys, eight-year-old Cory and seven-year-old Jesse, busy during the school holidays.

On Saturday April 3, the family purchased tickets to the Dolphin Discovery Centre to take part in an exciting, family activity for Easter.

The reality however, was very different.

"We were looking out for dolphins when a guy on a wave ski frantically paddled towards us and said there was an upturned kayak about one kilometre from the shore," Mr Xanthis told the Mail.

An Australind couple in their 70's, who asked to stay anonymous, were unsure how long they were treading water next to their capsized kayak.

"In the distance you couldn't see them, their kayak just looked like a log in the water. We didn't even notice they were in trouble."

It was Mr Xanthis' son Cory who reminded his Dad that his surfboard was in their car.

"I told my Dad he could use my surfboard as a rescue board. That's what they do on Bondi Rescue," Cory said, confessing it was his favourite television show.

While Mr Xanthis was paddling towards the couple, discovery centre volunteers attempted to contact the Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club but they were an hour away due to their official patrolling season ending in March.

At Koombana Bay, the club has a watch tower which Cory said was locked.

"I was so exhausted by the time I reached the couple. Both of them were fully clothed but they couldn't speak English well so they weren't able to tell me how long they'd been in the water for," Mr Xanthis said.

As he towed them in, Mr Xanthis tried to keep the couple awake as they drifted in and out of consciousness due to hypothermic shock.

"I had one arm on the surfboard and the other towing the kayak behind me for 45 minutes," Mr Xanthis said.

Due to his awkward position towing the couple, Mr Xanthis repeatedly kicked the kayak and ended up breaking two of his toes.

Back on shore, an ambulance was called to treat the couple who onlookers said were shaking and pale.

By the time the couple were brought onto the shore the couple had been in the water for more than hour.

"The elderly man removed a water logged piece of paper from the kayak that had the number of his daughter on it. It was an emotional moment as she thanked me for saving her parents lives," Mr Xanthis said.

"I just did what I'd expect most people would do. If I'm out there struggling in the water one day I'd hope someone would do the same thing for me."

Mr Xanthis said he found it strange that there was no life saver presence at Koombana Bay.

"They probably want to review their season over the Easter school holidays. There's additional risks at Koombana Bay especially with the shipping channel."

The couples' daughter later returned to the beach to gift Mr Xanthis and his family with wine and chocolates.

After receiving x-rays on his toes, Mr Xanthis went on to enjoy the rest of his holiday despite feeling tired from his intensive paddle.

"That night I was more emotional than usual. You just can't underestimate situations in the water. All bets are off, you never know what could happen."