A WA work safety inquiry by WorkSafe WA has been launched into a Quindalup resort after a family rented a kayak and inflatable paddleboards and were swept offshore by gusty conditions off Geographe Bay on Friday afternoon. The Appelbee family were on holiday in the region when the incident occurred, and were rescued by responding crews and later assessed on shore. A safety review by the resort is underway as authorities gather details about the rental operation.
What we know
- WorkSafe WA has confirmed it is conducting initial enquiries into the hotel’s equipment hire practices and safety oversight.
- The family were holidaymakers staying at a resort in Quindalup when strong winds pushed their kayak and inflatables away from the shore.
- Responders located the family and they were brought back to shore with no reporting of serious injuries at the time of recovery.
- The resort has said it is performing a safety review of its own procedures following the incident.
- Authorities have not released formal findings or penalties related to the incident as inquiries continue.
Officials emphasise that initial enquiries are routine steps in assessing potential safety concerns and do not imply fault by the operator or other parties involved.
What we don’t know
- Details of what led to the incident, including whether equipment conditions, weather assessment, or supervision met safety standards, remain unclear.
- Whether any enforcement actions or corrective measures will follow has not been announced.
- The full scope and timeline of WorkSafe’s investigation have not been disclosed.
- Whether other guests or staff were affected or involved is not confirmed publicly.
Coastal safety in tourist hotspots is a shared responsibility. As authorities gather more information, operators in regional holiday towns are reminded to review gear rental practices and shore in safety standards to prevent repeat incidents on unpredictable coastlines.
