I TRIED TO BE STRONG… BUT I CAN’T ANYMORE — Sister of young lifesaver who drowned breaks down as she reveals the moment her world shattered

An 18-year-old lifesaver who drowned while surfing with his mates has been remembered as ‘a child of the ocean’.

Family and friends have shared tributes for Joe Tolano, who vanished after coming off his surfboard at Buddina Beach, on Queensland‘s Sunshine Coast, on Wednesday.

The teenager’s disappearance sparked a massive search, including hundreds of volunteers, but was hindered by poor surf conditions. His body was eventually pulled from the water at about 6pm on Friday.

It’s been a horror week for drownings on Sunshine Coast beaches.

A day after Mr Tolano’s body was found, a Brisbane man, 62, drowned about 1.40pm on Saturday while swimming at Marcoola Beach.

He was pulled from the water and assessed by paramedics but couldn’t be saved.

Mr Tolano’s parents Glenn and Clare and his sisters Abbie and Hayley shared a joint statement on Saturday where they expressed their devastation at losing Joe.

‘We have lost our beautiful son, brother, nephew, grandson, cousin and friend,’ they said.

Friends and family of Joe Tolano (pictured with his sister, Abbie) have shared tributes to the late teenager
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Friends and family of Joe Tolano (pictured with his sister, Abbie) have shared tributes to the late teenager

Joe (above) was swept out to sea while surfing with his friends on the Sunshine Coast
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Joe (above) was swept out to sea while surfing with his friends on the Sunshine Coast

‘Joe was a child of the ocean and he absolutely loved nippers. His body was small but his heart was huge. He was chasing his dream of being an Ironman.

‘We have lost him doing what he loved surrounded by some of his best mates, and that fact helps us carry this unimaginable pain.

‘We feel grateful for the love and support that has been wrapped around us by our friends, family and the surf clubs in which Joe grew up.’

Abbie also shared her own statement online, writing: ‘The worst things happen to the best people.

‘Just a kid who frothed Clubbies and worked his arse off at it. Doing what he loved catching waves with his best friends.

‘Joey you had a huge heart and it has shown in all the people showing up for you mate.

‘I’ll see you again soon JT – rest easy and hope there are endless barrels up there for you.’

Surf Life Saving Queensland chief operating officer Gregory Cahill also shared a tribute to the late lifesaver.

Joe (left) has been remembered as a lover of the ocean with a 'huge heart'
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Joe (left) has been remembered as a lover of the ocean with a ‘huge heart’

‘Joe was a passionate and dedicated young lifesaver who was well-known and respected by his club peers, teammates and competitors,’ he said.

‘This is a heartbreaking loss for our clubs on the Sunshine Coast and for surf lifesavers right across Queensland.

‘On behalf of Surf Life Saving Queensland, I extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Joe’s family and friends during this devastating time.’

A report will be prepared for the coroner.