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Two dads killed during heroic act to save kids

Two dads have died after a heroic effort to save the lives of three kids who were swept out to sea while swimming at a remote Queensland beach.

Richard Catbagan, 37, from Dalby, and Denny Jade Caballa, 37, from Kingaroy, were pulled from the water at Teewah Beach in Noosa North Shore about 2.30pm on Saturday but could not be revived, Courier Mail reported.

Two children belonging to Mr Catbagan made it back safely to shore, while Mr Caballa’s nine-year-old son Tyghan was transported to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. He was discharged on Sunday.

Richard Catbagan and Denny Jade Caballa pictured together.
Richard Catbagan and Denny Jade Caballa died on Saturday after rescuing their kids from the surf. Source: Facebook

Wives of the deceased men have described them as selfless heroes who put the lives of the children ahead of their own.

“Richard was always thinking of other people. He (was) quiet, jolly, always smiling. He (was) so nice,” Mr Catbagan’s wife Sheri Lyn told The Courier Mail.

Mr Caballa’s wife Cherry Apple described her late husband as a caring and brave dad.

“He was a very proud father. He was a very responsible man. We loved him, we miss him, and we’re very proud of him. He’s our hero,” she said.

Emergency vehicles at the beach where the dads died.
Emergency crews rushed to the beach and desperately tried to save the men. Source: Nine News

A friend who was with the group at the time said the conditions were deceptive, saying he and another friend had also been swept away in a rip but managed to get back to shore.

Regional Operations Manager Aaron Purchase said the deaths followed a concerning number of incidents on Saturday.

“If you must swim at a remote location, stay close to the beach and remain waist-deep,” he said.

Surf Life Saving Queensland will work with relevant authorities including the Queensland Ambulance Service and prepare a report for the coroner.

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