“Never be forgotten”: Uncle of NRL star drowns while saving swimmers
<p>The man who died, Talitiga Taupau, was trying to save the lives of two others caught in a dangerous rip with him.</p>
<p>The father-of-six entered the rip at Cronulla’s Shelly Beach on Saturday afternoon. One swimmer made it back to the beach, while Talitiga and one other were pulled unconscious from the water. </p>
<p>Talitiga died at the scene, while the second unconscious man was revived and taken to St George Hospital in a critical condition after allegedly being underwater for three minutes. The swimmer who returned to shore was reported to be in a stable condition and receiving further treatment. </p>
<p>Talitiga’s death brings the state’s summer drowning toll to 14 (with the count commencing on December 1). </p>
<p>The 44-year-old has been identified as the uncle of Brisbane Broncos player Martin “Marty” Taupau. </p>
<p>“It's really sad that this has happened but he will never be forgotten for his actions," Marty told 9News of his uncle’s passing. Marty was reportedly driving to Brisbane with his family for training with his team when he heard the news. </p>
<p>“There’s just so much happening,” he added, “so much to process.” </p>
<p>Talitiga and the second man were pulled from the water by nearby lifeguards. Joel Wiseman, director of lifesaving for Surf Life Saving NSW, stressed the strain on volunteer lifesavers across the state in the wake of the recent drownings, including the tragedy at Shelly Beach on the weekend. </p>
<p>“We are experiencing one of our busiest summers ever with huge rescue numbers,” Wiseman stated, “and our volunteers have put in a massive effort to try to keep people safe along the coast.</p>
<p>"Despite the growing drowning toll, volunteers and lifeguards should be very proud of what they've achieved so far this summer. There are a combination of factors making this summer so deadly, including people taking risks, alcohol consumption, and crowded beaches which can lead beachgoers to seek out unfamiliar and unpatrolled locations.</p>
<p>"Rip currents remain the number one coastal hazard and the 14 coastal drowning deaths this summer have all occurred at unpatrolled locations."</p>
<p>An investigation is underway into the latest drowning, with Sutherland Shire police set to prepare a report for the coroner. </p>
<p>Talitiga Taupau is being remembered as a hero for his actions, with tributes flowing for his family.</p>
<p>Marty Taupau posted one such tribute to his Instagram, sharing 9News’ segment on his uncle’s story with the caption “Manuia lau malaga uncle“ (Have a good trip uncle) and the hashtag “hero”. </p>
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<p>“Prayers and condolences to you and your family brother,” wrote Australian basketball star Dejan Vasiljevic. </p>
<p>Fellow rugby league player Brad Takairangi commented, “much love my bro.” </p>
<p>“So sorry for your loss @martykapow,” shared one supporter, echoing the sentiments of many who had come to the post to share their condolences for Marty and Talitiga’s loved ones, “sending sympathy and love to you and all your family.”</p>
<p>As Marty told 9News, “I know I’ve got the right people and support networks around … I’ll be okay.” </p>
<p><em>Images: 9News</em></p>
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