KEY POINTS:
A fun day out at the beach turned into a tragedy for a Kaikohe family on Saturday when 42-year-old Victor Johnstone drowned after he got into difficulty while going to help his cousin and his sister who were caught by a strong tidal rip.
Mr Johnstone and his brother, William, ran into the sea at Whananaki, 42km northeast of Whangarei, when their cousin Stephanie, 14, and sister Linda, 23, were swept out to sea while swimming at at Pareparea Bay.
Mr Johnstone's sister-in-law, Liza Johnstone, said Victor soon got into trouble himself. She said he was brought back to shore by two other brothers, Frank and Ronald, but was found to be dead.
Stephanie was helped ashore while a local kayaker, Jaimie Scott, helped bring William and Linda Johnstone in.
Liza Johnstone yesterday described Victor as "very fun loving, just a happy, happy man".
He was not married and had lived all his life in Kaikohe.
Mr Johnstone was one of 12 brothers and sisters. His tangi will be held in Kaikohe on Wednesday.
Mr Scott said the channel appeared safe for swimmers, but it had a dangerous current.
