Drowned man a strong swimmer who knew about rips

George Harvey Wright was a strong swimmer who knew exactly what to do when caught in a rip - he'd float on his back and let the tide carry him to safety.

But on Friday the 59-year-old's usual tactic for escaping a rip failed him. He never made it back to shore alive.

Family say the Omaha man had been swimming at the local beach with several relatives when they were caught by a rip about 4pm.

Two of the relatives were rescued - there have been varying reports as to whether it was by an off-duty lifeguard or a member of the public.

When the men got to shore they saw Mr Wright floating on his back.

They then rushed to a nearby lifeguard tower, where a caretaker called for help.

By the time off-duty lifeguards, police and the rescue helicopter arrived there was little they could do.

Mr Wright's brother-in-law, John Hadrup, said his family were shocked to learn that Mr Wright, a strong swimmer who had spent much of his life round the water, had drowned.

"He has been in that situation before ... He knew what to do in a rip. He floated on his back, which is what they said he was doing at the time when [his relatives] last saw him."

Mr Wright was married with two grown children and four grandchildren. He loved bowls and worked hard as a steel rigging supervisor.

"He was a great family man," said Mr Hadrup. "He loved his family, that's for sure."