Penrith Beach Boxing Day drowning victim identified as 35yo father

The 35-year-old was trying to save his children while out on the water at an inland beach, but wasn’t able to save himself.

A man who went missing and was found drowned at an inland beach in sestern Sydney that opened only a week ago has been formally identified.

Seti Tuaopepe, 35, drowned at Penrith Beach in Castlereagh on Boxing Day.

He went missing while paddleboarding with his children about 2.35pm Tuesday, and was reportedly holding them while waiting for help from another rescuer.

Seti Tuaopepe drowned while paddleboarding with his children at Penrith Beach on Tuesday. Picture: Facebook

The 35-year-old drowned after going missing early on Tuesday afternoon, before his body was found hours later.

Mr Tuaopepe’s children survived, but his body was found about 6.15pm.

His disappearance sparked an immediate response from emergency services, and forced Penrith Beach to be closed.

The beach remained closed on Wednesday.

Nine News reported while lifeguards were on duty, Mr Tuaopepe was swimming outside the designated safe swimming zone.

Friends of the St Marys father took to social media to post tributes.

Mr Tuaopepe’s disappearance sparked an immediate response from emergency services, and forced Penrith Beach to be closed.

“You were kind, silent and a very gentle classmate,” wrote a friend on Facebook.

“You were a family man … condolences to your wife, children and family. Rest in peace and in the loving arms of our Lord.”

Penrith Beach is a man-made waterway, built on the site of an old quarry at a cost of around $1.7m.

It only opened to the public on December 19.