A Kiwi man has drowned in front of his five children while paddleboarding in Australia.
The man-made beach in western Sydney had just opened to the public a week prior before the tragedy struck.
Emergency services were called to Penrith Beach in New South Wales just after 2.30pm on Boxing Day after a man was seen going underwater and not resurfacing.
According to local media, the man was trying to rescue his children while paddleboarding when he drowned.
Three rescue boats and two helicopters joined the police search and the beach was closed to the public for the rest of the afternoon.
Almost four hours later, emergency crews found the body of a 35-year-old man.
A New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) spokesperson told Newshub they are aware of reports of a New Zealander drowning in New South Wales.
"We have not been contacted by anyone for assistance," the spokesperson added.
Australian police said a report would be prepared for the Coroner.
