Bairnsdale man drowns after getting into trouble in waters off Paynesville

Friends and family have remembered a 45-year-old man who drowned while swimming with family in Paynesville as a ‘champion’ and ‘amazing person’ who volunteered in the community and sang in a church band.

Max Tavai, 45, has been remembered as a ‘joyful soul’.

Friends and family have remembered a man who drowned in Paynesville yesterday as a “joyful soul” following his death on Tuesday afternoon.

Max Tavai, 45, suffered heart failure while swimming with family in Sunset Cove. Heartbroken family members confirmed the tragedy on Facebook today.

“With a sad heart we share the sad news that we had to say goodbye to Max,” the post read.

“Sadly the Emergency services - although they did everything they possibly could - they couldn’t bring him back.”

“He was an awesome son, big brother, uncle, manny and friend.”

TWO TRAGIC NEW YEAR’S DAY DROWNINGS INTERSTATE

Bairnesville man Max Tavai, 45 (middle), has been remembered by loved ones after his tragic passing.

Tributes flowed on social media for the Bairnsdale local with friends remembering him as “a champion” who volunteered in the community and sang in a church band.

“Max was an amazing person to know and he always treated me with love and respect,” one person wrote.

The tragedy is the second drowning in the Paynesville area within four days.

Senior Sergeant Alan Rice said paramedics worked for more than an hour trying to save Mr Tavai’s life but he could not be resuscitated and died at the scene.

“It’s tragic, we’re a small community here and both (the victims) were locals so it’s hit everyone hard,” Mr Rice said.

Mr Tavai has been remembered as a ‘joyful soul’.

He has pleaded with swimmers to take care in the water.

“We’re in sheltered, enclosed waters so there’s no patrols or flags to swim between,

“There’s no current or tides so people think it’s safe … but it’s not always the case,” he said.

Sgt Rice said life jackets were the best way swimmers could keep safe.

Police will now prepare a report for the coroner.

Mr Tavai’s death marks the latest tragedy in what has been a horror start to the season for lifesavers.

The New Year’s Day tragedy is the sixth drowning to occur in Victorian waters in nine days.

Hero mum Josephine Williamson drowned at nearby Lake Victoria last Saturday while trying to rescue a child.

The 34-year-old got into difficulty after rescuing the stricken child and was unable to be saved.

On Boxing Day, Indian tourist Harmanjot Singh Walia, 27, drowned in front of his horrified wife and witnesses after being caught under a rock ledge at MacKenzie Falls near the Grampians.

A 64-year-old abalone diver died on Christmas Day after getting into trouble in the waters off Cape Schanck as his helpless friend watched on.

And on Christmas Eve, a Cranbourne East father, 45, and son, 20, drowned in the surf near Phillip Island’s Colonnades on Christmas Eve. A younger brother, 11, managed to swim to shore.

The first day of 2019 also turned out to be a tragic one interstate, with two drownings in beaches in Sydney’s eastern suburbs and Queensland’s Moreton Bay.