Mia Bennett and Cole Johns were surfing together at Secret Harbour beach when they were thrown into a dramatic ocean rescue of an entire family stranded in strong currents.
The two are now among the recipients of Surf Life Saving WA's (SLSWA) 2021 Coastal Bravery Awards, held on May 7.
At just 13 years old, Mia and John flew into action, braving strong currents and large waves to help a family who were struggling in the rough conditions.
"I was out in the water having a paddle with friends before training," Cole said. "It was just instinct to go and help them as I saw them struggling and scared."
The pair paddled out on their boards and paddled the group of two adults and two children safely to shore.
"I wasn't scared as I've been surfing at Secret Harbour Beach for six years and with my training I feel confident out there," Cole said. "My training has taught me to keep calm and focused, not to panic."
When the family was back on dry land, they were very grateful to the two young heroes.
"The dad was really thankful and relieved when we got there and when we were back on the beach he shook my hand and said thank you again - and so did the kids."
Mia and Cole were awarded a bronze medallion for courage by the SLSWA for their bravery and the pair credited their years of nipper and surf sports competition training for the skills which enabled them to go to the family's aid in the unpredictable conditions.
Another brave Peel resident who was honoured at the awards was 12-year-old Wannanup local Josh Price.
When Josh, who is a woodside nipper at Port Bouvard Life Saving Club, witnessed his friend being dragged further from land after slipping and falling into the water fully clothed, he ran to his rescue.
Josh remained calm and was able to tow his tired and weighed-down friend nearly 100 metres against the current to safety.
Golden Bay resident Barry Smith received a silver medallion for bravery for his quick thinking after his brother Andy was launched headfirst into a shallow sandbar with the impact paralysing him from the neck down.
Being tossed by the waves and unable to swim, Andy was fortunate to be rolled face up, giving him the opportunity to call for help. Immediately coming to his aid, Barry fought against the strong current and crashing waves in his attempts to keep Andy afloat, eventually propping his head against one of the boards to keep it above the water as he attempted to swim them both 100 metres to shore.
Eventually, two paddle boarders came to the brothers' aid, helping to drag Andy up on to the shore and to safety.
Andy's paralysis was temporary, which was largely thanks to his brother giving him first aid.
"Each year, several thousand Western Australians find themselves in life-threatening situations on our coast and owe their lives to the surf lifesavers, Emergency Service Personnel, and members of the general public who respond to their call for aid," an SLSWA representative said.
150 guests gathered for the awards - with 2021 marking the fourth year of the event. Awards were presented by Stuart Aubrey MLA, Member for Scarborough.