Friends and family of a Hunter teen who lost his life in a drowning this week rallying around each other as they come to terms with the devastating loss of their loved one.
James Hayman drowned in rough surf at Diamond Beach on Wednesday. His father Peter tried in vain to rescue the 17-year-old, but he also became caught up in the surf and had to be rushed to hospital, suffering from water inhalation.
Emergency services brought James from the water and performed CPR until paramedics took over treatment, but sadly he could not be saved.
The Hayman family of Tingara Heights were holidaying near Hallidays Point on the state's Lower North Coast when the tragedy occurred.
James's grandfather Paul Hayman said the family was taking one final family holiday before the Belmont High student started Year 12.
"They were supposed to go to Queensland but the borders are closed," he said.
Mr Hayman said he was in complete shock at what had happened to his grandson.
"I'm in total disbelief," he said. "It still hasn't fully sunk in.
He described James as a "good kid".
"He got along well with everyone," Mr Hayman said. "He was quiet but was a bit more outgoing around his friends. He had some good close friends.
"He liked doing things on the computer. He was interested in cooking. He had aspirations to become a chef."
Mr Hayman said James's friends got together on Thursday and reminisced about all the fun times they had with their mate.
The Argenton grandfather said on Friday he had not seen James's parents yet as Peter was still recovering from the incident.
"Peter swallowed a lot of water trying to save him," Mr Hayman said.
Other family members were too distraught to speak to The Herald on Friday.
Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce described the loss as a "heartbreaking incident".
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