GoFundMe started to raise money for Beth Peters who drowned at Streaky Bay

A “brave” mum has been remembered by her family for her courageous efforts –now they’re raising money to thank the Streaky Bay community.

Beth Peters and her husband Karl. Beth tragically drowned trying to save her friend who was swept out by a wave at Back Beach at Streaky Bay. Picture: Instagram

The family of a mother who drowned trying to save her friend in a seaside tragedy at Streaky Bay are raising money to build a memorial bench and donate to the community “who gave so much in our time of need”.

Beth Peters, 67, was fishing with her friend Zenaida “Aida” Hunt, 65, at Back Beach, 10km from Streaky Bay, on Tuesday when Ms Hunt was knocked into the water by a large wave.

Ms Peters tried to help save her friend who had been swept away, but tragically both women died.

Zenaida Hunt and Beth Peters both drowned at Salmon Hole, Back Beach, 10km from Streaky Bay. Picture: Facebook

A Sturt local, Ms Peters is understood to have often gone on holiday to Streaky Bay to see Ms Hunt, who was a permanent resident.

In honour of Ms Peters, who was a “kind, generous” woman, her daughter Angeliek, son Brian, and husband Karl, have started a GoFundMe fundraiser to construct a memorial bench at Back Beach, and to donate to the Streaky Bay emergency services and surfing community who helped at the scene.

“We are grateful for the help and assistance of the SES, SA Police Ambulance and most of all the local Streaky Bay surfing community acting quickly in the assistance recovering mum and Aida so that we are able to have closure,” Ms Peters’ family shared in a social media post.

“Thank you from everyone, from the bottom of our hearts for sending messages and calls of support you have shown us.

Michael Hunt, Zenaida Hunt and Beth Peters. Picture: Facebook

“Mum was kind, caring and generous to all she knew and we know she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.”

One commenter called Ms Peters a “brave woman” for trying to save her friend.

Mr Peters also tried to save the pair and “came close to losing his own life”, the family wrote.

The GoFundMe page, which was first started late last week, has already received 43 donations and raised more than $4000 towards its $5000 target.

Ms Peters’ friend, Aida Hunt, was also remembered by her husband Michael as “a beautiful woman”.

“It was just a bit of bad luck, she went down there and got taken by a wave and that is just it,” Mr Hunt said of his late wife.

Mayor of Streaky Bay Travis Barber said the small community and surrounding areas had suffered over recent years from a number of tragedies, and gave his condolences to the loved ones of the two women.

“It is another tragic blow for our community of Streaky Bay and my condolences go out to the family and friends at this very tough time,” he said.

Originally published as GoFundMe started to raise money for Beth Peters who drowned at Streaky Bay