Sam Hamilton,21,was kayaking with a friend on Sunday near Dawesville when a dive turned fatal.
Sam Hamilton died on Sunday while free diving near Mandurah.Facebook
Hamilton had been underwater before he floated back to the surface semi-conscious.
He later stopped breathing and was given emergency first aid while an EPIRB was activated which notified police of their location.
Water police deployed a rescue vessel and an RAC Rescue helicopter,and a St John ambulance paramedic was lowered into the vessel to continue giving emergency first aid.
But Hamilton could not be revived.
On Tuesday,his uncle Jono Faulkner paid tribute to the keen surfer and spearfisherman,who was studying physiotherapy at Curtin University.
“We shared a love of the ocean,and you went doing something you loved,” he said.
“I loved your passion for life. I loved your deep thoughts. I loved being on the boat and in the water with you.”
Another friend said Hamilton was “full of love,passion and the most wonderful laugh”.
“For now there is a huge Sam-shaped hole in all of our lives,until we meet again on that beautiful day,” Kirsty Faulkner said.
According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Health,receiving pre-dive medical checks to evaluate specific bodily systems that may be particularly vulnerable before free diving is important.
“However,it is important to note that although a rigorous pre-dive medical check can improve safety,it cannot remove all of the risks,” the study said.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
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