Drowning victim a proud father who was always with his children

A young boy stands not far from where a father drowned after getting into trouble in the water near Awhitu Regional Park on Sunday. Photo / Greg Bowker

A man who drowned at a rural South Auckland beach was a dedicated father who loved to spend time with his young children.

Imtiaz Abdul Aziz, 40, was named as the man who drowned near Awhitu Regional Park when he got into trouble while in the water with two of his children.

Despite being pulled from the water and CPR being carried out, he could not be saved. The children were airlifted to Middlemore Hospital and were later discharged.

Brother-in-law Ishrar Mohammed said the family and extended Muslim community were rallying to support Aziz's wife and five children, who are aged between about 3 and 11.

"He was just a very humble and honourable person who did his deeds in a manner that did not bother anyone else. He was very close to his family and very loving towards his children.''

Mohammed said Aziz, a software engineer, was a leading member of the Dawah team for the Masjid At Taqwa mosque on Grayson Ave in Manukau.

The Dawah team is a dedicated group that goes out into the community to invite and promote the message of Islam to non-Muslims. He often took his young children along.

"People know him because he always had his kids around him,'' Mohammed said.

"Whether he was in the mosque, in the park or doing Dawah in the street - he always had his children with him. He was very soft and very humble.''

It is understood Aziz and his family were camping at the regional park at the time of the incident.

Emergency services were called to the scene about 12.40pm on Sunday after reports three people were seen struggling in the water.

Mohammed thanked all those who helped at the time and those who had continued to offer the family - including Aziz's elderly parents - encouragement and support.

"We've had so much support from everyone - from the minute that the [incident] happened.

"The members of the public who were on the beach and those on the camp grounds who responded first. Then we had the emergency response and the police, ambulance and the hospital staff who were very supportive to the kids who ended up in the hospital for a few hours.

"Members of the community, the immediate and extended family - we have received enormous support from everyone."

Mohammed said Aziz was very much missed within their family as well as among their friends and community at the local mosque.

"One of our duties is to convey the message of Islam and he was very active in that. We miss him.''

Aziz was farewelled at a service yesterday. His death has been referred to the Coroner.