NSW lifesaver who suffered fatal heart attack during weekly swim was 'fittest in his life'
A NSW volunteer life saver, who suffered a fatal heart attack during a social swim on Sunday, has been remembered as a “true champion” whose life was taken too soon.
David Isaacs, of Woy Woy, experienced a medical emergency during his weekly morning swim at Ocean Beach, before beach patrols began about 8.30am.
Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club members pulled the father of three unconscious from the water and began CPR until paramedics arrived, SLSC NSW said in a statement.
Mr Isaacs, 45, was rushed to hospital, but sadly he could not be revived.
“The State Operations Centre was also advised of the incident and alerted police and paramedics who were also tasked to the scene,” Surf Life Saving NSW said in a statement.
Mr Isaacs was a member of the Ocean Beach Blue Swimmers winter swimming club, as well as a life member of The Entrance Water Polo Club, The Mighty Ducks, where he was a former president and current media officer until his passing.
He also coached the club’s junior “flipper ball” program.
Vice President of The Entrance Water Polo Club Craig Sampson shared the tragic news to the group’s Facebook page Sunday afternoon, with members still reeling from the loss of their mate.
"'Castro' as he is known to his mates is and always will remain one of the true champions of our club,” Mr Sampson wrote.
One member of the Ocean beach Life Saving Club told the Daily Telegraph Mr Isaacs was the fittest he had ever seen him, having lost some weight recently.
“It’s a tragedy, I’m sitting here and I don’t believe it’s real,” the friend said.
Members of the local water polo and lifesaving clubs are struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, sharing their condolences to Mr Isaacs’ surviving wife Kate and three children.
“Poor darling so sad.. Always happens to the good ones. Love to your family :( X,” one wrote on Facebook.
Another added: “So very sad my heart goes out to his wife Kate and their 3 beautiful children xx.”
“Such a good man taken from us! Heartbreaking ♡♥♡,” a third shared.
