Tributes flow for Torquay man and masters athlete Vic Verecondi

Friends of a man who died on a Surf Coast beach have delivered an emotional “circle of remembrance” near where he was pulled from the water in tragic circumstances.

Vic Verecondi. Picture: Instagram

Friends of a man who died on a Surf Coast beach have delivered an emotional “circle of remembrance” near where he was pulled from the water in tragic circumstances.

Vic Verecondi, a Torquay athlete, was identified as the 60-year-old who died at Cosy Corner on May 4 in an accident that saddened the surfing town.

One of his swimming group’s – the Wednesday Waders – held an emotional in-water remembrance for the much loved member on Friday.

More than 30 people gathered at the Torquay main beach, near where he sadly passed away, to pay tribute.

“What a beautiful morning for Vic,” Liz Georgeson said in an online tribute.

Another wrote it was “such fitting emotion in the colours of the sea and sky”.

Mr Verecondi is being remembered as a keen athlete and “friend to all” after his sad passing.

The incident, witnessed by almost two dozen members of the public, has been described as a “horrible tragedy”.

A swimming group in Torquay pay tribute to Vic Verecondi at the main beach.

Alan Jenkins, from the Victorian Masters Athletics Club, said Mr Verecondi was a well-liked member of the Geelong-based organisation.

“He was always a friendly face down at the club,” he said.

“Always down there early and really enjoyed it.

“He was a friend to one and all really, and our condolences go out to his family.”

Mr Verecondi, a Torquay local who was involved in the education sector and worked as a private tutor, studied at Deakin University and La Trobe University.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr Verecondi studied a Bachelor of Science (mathematics statistics) at Deakin from 1982 to 1986.

He also undertook a postgraduate diploma in physics and education at La Trobe from 1993-1994.

Three ambulance units were called to Cosy Corner at about 9.45am on May 4 after he was pulled unresponsive from the water.

Paramedics and members of the public performed CPR for an extended period as a large group of beachgoers watched on.

It appeared several bystanders were assisting ambulance officers in their efforts to save the person.

Several of those standing nearby were dressed in wetsuits and swimming caps and were visibly distressed.

“Members of the public performed CPR on the man, but it was unsuccessful,” a police statement read.

The cause of death is a matter for the coroner.

Originally published as Tributes flow for Torquay man and masters athlete Vic Verecondi