Ocean Grove drowning victim identified as Cienna Jervies, 12

The parents of a girl killed in a tragic drowning accident at a Bellarine beach have spoken for the first time following the “devestating” tragedy.

Brent and Jodie Jervies have spoken of their anguish at the loss of their 12-year-old daughter, Cienna. Photo: Gofundme.

The devestated parents of a girl killed in a tragic drowning accident have spoken for the first time following the death that has rocked the Bellarine Peninsula.

Jodie and Brent Jervies, whose much loved daughter, Cienna, died in a gut-wrenching tragedy near Ocean Grove, have told of their agony at the sudden loss.

“We are devastated by the death of our beautiful Cienna, and we can’t begin to imagine what life looks like without her,” they told the Geelong Advertiser in a joint statement.

“Please remember to be kind, hug your babies hard, and give us privacy and space.”

Other family members of year 7 Bellarine Secondary College student have been left “completely devastated” after shedrowned at Collendina beachon Tuesday.

She had been swimming in treacherous swells at about 6pm with another girl, 13, before finding trouble.

The latter was saved in the incident that has rocked the Bellarine Peninsula.

“We are all heartbroken,” one family member told the Geelong Advertiser.

The “sometimes shy, sometimes bubbly” 12-year-old has been remembered as a “happy” and

“artistic” soul and a much loved member of the Clifton Springs and Bellarine community.

Cienna’s uncle, Shaun Jervies, said her death was a “heartbreaking” for the family.

“Fly high my beatiful niece,” he said on social media.

Cienna’s grandmother, Karen Jervies, said: “Sweet dreams our beautiful angel.”

Bellarine Secondary College principal Wayne Johannesen wrote in a letter to families that the loss of Cienna was “tragic” and “devastating”.

He said Cienna completed primary school at Clifton Springs Primary School before starting secondary school this year.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to the Cienna’s family and friends at this very difficult time,” he wrote.

“We understand that this news will come as a shock to many.

“Grief is a personal experience and as such people will react differently – we ask that you be guided by your own child’s needs. If your child is obviously distressed, we would encourage you to listen to them and provide comfort and reassurance where possible.”

Mr Johannesen said officers would provide support to student at the school’s Ocean Grove campus on Friday.

On Thursday, locals left floral tributes near a bench at Colledina beach.

The stretch is known to produce rips and was not patrolled by the Ocean Grove Lifesaving Club at the time of the incident.

A Gofundme has been set up to assist her parents, Jodie and Brent, with funeral costs and ongoing expenses.

Family friend, Zoe Mayne, said “Sissy” was a “daughter, sister, cousin, granddaughter, niece, and the loyalist and best friend anyone could have.”

The incident saw two bystanders, including Ocean Grove mother Elise Van Wegan, risk their own lives to try and save pair.

Ms Van Wegan was holing onto both girls but rough conditions separated them.

Another man, described as “a hero”, managed to get the 13-year-old girl to shore.

As of Thursday afternoon, the Gofundme page has garnered for than $23,000 in donations.

To support Cienna’s family, head to gofundme.com/cienna-rosse-jervies.

Originally published as Ocean Grove drowning victim identified as Cienna Jervies, 12