Seti Tuaopepe, father of five drowned at Sydney’s new beach after he was trying to save the lives of three of his children.

The 35-year-old-, whose youngest child is just four months old, fell into the water with his children and was last seen trying to push them to the surface before disappearing, 7 News reported.

It is understood Mr Tuaopepe held his children above water until a rescuer arrived at around 2.35 pm on Tuesday but was unable to save himself. 

NSW Police divers and a Toll rescue helicopter were called in as part of the extensive effort. 

 His body was found about 6.15 pm, about four hours after he went missing.  

According to reports  Mr Tuaopepe grew up in Samoa, studied in New Zealand, and moved to Australia for work.

Tributes to Mr Tuaopepe began pouring in on social media from coworkers and families around Australia and Samoa.  

‘You were kind, silent, and a very gentle classmate,’ one friend wrote on Facebook. ‘You were a family man … condolences to your wife, children and family. Rest in peace and in the loving arms of our Lord.’

'Seti was a dedicated father and husband who would sacrifice all for his family, especially his kids.'

 Penrith Beach officially opened last week, immediately gaining the nickname Pondi after the famous eastern suburbs Bondi Beach, and received mixed reviews from visitors. 

An NSW government website bluntly lists what is not allowed at the beach including riding bikes, getting dropped off by a family member, and even visiting without a booking – with some slamming the rules as ‘un-Australian’.  

Meanwhile, family members have started a GoFundMe page to help and support Seti's family and kids.

"This GoFundMe is being put together to support Mina, wife of Tuaopepe, and her five amazing kids during this incredibly tough time. Seti Tuaopepe, unfortunately, lost his life while at Penrith Beach trying to save his kids. His kids meant the world to him, and he cherished the life they had together," a family member posted.