Peter Lim remembered as ‘awesome son, brother and friend’ after Clovelly drowning

A man who drowned at Clovelly on New Year’s Day is being remembered as a kind and caring person. Peter Lim was pulled from the rocks at the popular Sydney beach by bystanders who thought he was snorkelling face down.

• Off-duty doctor tried to save man at Clovelly

A man who drowned at Clovelly Beach on New Year’s Day is being remembered as a kind and caring person.

Telecommunications worker Peter Lim, 38, was pulled from the north side of the rocks just before 2pm and an off-duty doctor tried to revive him while paramedics were en route.

Bystanders thought Mr Lim was snorkelling face down and it was only after he began hitting up against rocks they realised he may be in trouble.

Peter Lim drowned at Clovelly Beach on New Year’s Day.

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Five ambulances arrived at the beach within eight minutes of the triple-0 call but nothing could be done to save Mr Lim and it is unknown how long he was in the water for.

His nephew Jin yesterday said that his uncle was involved in his local church and cared about helping others.

He had lived in Australia for 13 years and is originally from South Korea.

Friend Mijung said she was in shock about what had happened.

Five ambulances arrived at the beach within minutes of the triple-0 call but couldn’t revive Mr Lim. Picture: Trish Alo-Emile

“I’m shocked, it’s just so difficult for me, it’s really shocking,” she said.

“He was a really good guy, he was really nice, he was a caring person and kind.”

President of Surf Life Saving Sydney George Shale said that the efforts of bystanders, the off-duty doctor, lifeguards and lifesavers to save Mr Lim were “heroic”.

Police are investigating the drowning and will prepare a report for the coroner.

A doctor at the scene attempted to resuscitate Mr Lim. Picture: Instagram/@aldo.gvz

Lifesavers have issued a warning to Australians to take care after Mr Lim and two others drowned in three states on the first day of 2019.

In the month up to and including January 1, 48 drownings were reported across the nation, up from 31 in the same period a year ago, Royal Life Saving Australia said.

Max Tavai, 45, drowned on Tuesday at Paynesville in Victoria. “He was an awesome son, big brother, uncle, manny and friend. He will be missed,” Aquila Momo Tavai posted online in a statement on behalf of the family on Wednesday.