Family of missing Rye Beach swimmer Jona Kinivuwai calls for improved water safety

The family of Jona Kinivuwai — swept out to sea at Rye Beach southeast of Melbourne — says no one should experience their pain as they push for a key change at Victorian beaches.

Family of missing Rye Beach swimmer Jona Kinivuwai have vowed to ensure the tragedy of losing their son doesn’t happen to any other family by supporting a push for improved water safety measures.

Jona’s mother Luse, father Ilisoni, sister Romain and brothers Joji and Will, continue to be overcome with grief since their son and brother was swept away by a rip at Rye Beach in early February.

His body has not been found, with the family continuing to use GoFundMe donations to fund the search.

“As time goes on, we have sort of accepted that the chances of finding him get less and less,” Ms Kinivuwai said.

Luse Kinivuwai lost her son, Jona Kinivuwai, in February. Picture: Supplied.

To mark this, the family held a memorial service on February 24.

A packed hall full of those who knew and loved Jona commemorating a young life lost tragically too soon.

“He was a spectacular young man,” Ms Kinivuwai said.

“We were touched to see so many people attend and see all of those share the messages and stories about him that shows how much he was loved.”

As the family struggles to come to terms with the loss of Jona — it has sought out grief counselling — Ms Kinivuwai she was determined to see water safety improved.

“We are still struggling through the events of the day,” she said.

“But, what sticks out for me is not wanting to see this happen again.”

Jona Kinivuwai, 20, was swept out to sea off of 16th Beach in Rye on the Mornington Peninsula in early February. His body has still not been recovered. Picture: supplied.

Jona Kinivuwai’s family at Rye Beach. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

The Kinivuwai family and Nepean Member Sam Groth are pushing for improved signage and safety measures at Mornington Peninsula beaches to increase awareness of dangerous water conditions.

According to Royal Life Saving Australia data, of the 27 people who drowned in Victoria over summer, 62 per cent were located at a beach.

“From a Surf Life Saving perspective, one club said only 3 per cent of beachgoers notice the signs at beaches,” Mr Groth said.

“Locals and surf life savers are now pulling people out of the water daily and doing all they can to save people.

“Small signs at the start of a path aren’t enough to grab people’s attention.”

Mr Groth is also calling for the implementation of a potential warning system for dangerous water conditions at local beaches.

“We don’t want people to be scared away from our beaches, but they need to be aware of just what they are wading out into,” he said.

A Victoria Government spokeswoman said that the government’s thoughts remain with Jona’s family and friends, but didn’t respond to requests for further beach safety measures.

“We urge anyone visiting Victoria’s beautiful waterways to put their safety first – swim between the flags, never swim alone or when you’ve been drinking and always wear a lifejacket if you’re on a boat, fishing, or not a confident swimmer,” she said.

“Victoria’s lifesavers go above and beyond to protect the community and save lives – we thank them for their vital service but we need everyone to do their bit as well.”