A teen who tragically drowned at a popular beach in a Boxing Day tragedy has been remembered as a rising AFL star and ‘one of the best friends you could ever ask for.’
Nick Maan, 17, was swimming with friends at Mordialloc Beach in Melbourne’s south-east on Monday when he was reported missing, sparking a full-scale search and rescue operation in the water and from the air.
He was pulled unresponsive from the water 45 minutes later and taken back to shore, where paramedics and lifeguards performed CPR, but he tragically died at the scene.
The Pakenham teen was due to start Year 12 studies at Lakeside College in the new year and played Aussie Rules for Pakenham Lions Junior Football Club.
Nick’s death has sparked an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from shattered friends and his school.
Darci Dixon (left) has penned a gutwrenching tribute to close friend Nick Maan (right)
‘Today myself and many others lost one of the best friends anyone could ask for,’ Darci Dixon posted on Facebook.
‘Nick sadly lost his life today at Mordialloc beach. He was definitely one of a kind and always knew how to make anyone laugh and smile no matter what.’
‘He was dearly loved by so many he came across and has clearly touched so many hearts. ‘All the fun times in and out of primary school all the way to high school are now memories, but they are memories I’ll cherish forever.’
‘Rest in peace, Nick. You will be missed by absolutely everyone.’
Darci added on Instagram: ‘Anyone that had the pleasure to meet you was just as lucky as I was to have you as my friend, love you forever.’
‘School will never be the same without you.’
Another close mate Ethan revealed Nick took the sport seriously and recently got asked to train for Gippsland Power.
‘Nick was the most amazing, kindhearted, devoted and determined young man I have ever met,’ Ethan wrote.
Nick Maan (pictured) was a rising star for the Pakenham Lions Junior Football Club
Nick Maan was swimming with friends at Mordialloc Beach in Melbourne’s south-east on Boxing Day where he drowned (pictured, emergency services and lifeguards at the scene)
‘Nick always saw the best in people and always had the most genuine and caring heart towards others.
‘His smile could make the most unhappy person in the world get instantly filled with joy and his laugh was more contagious than Covid.’
Nick joined Lakeside College in 2018 as a Year 7 student and will be remembered for his bright smile, intelligence, wonderful sense of humour and of course, his sporting prowess,’ the school posted.
‘We take some comfort knowing that Nick is in God’s loving embrace and that God with us all in the struggles of life. As we read in Psalm 46, ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.’
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Nick’s family, friends and College staff who are all devastated by this very sad news. We particularly ask the community to keep Nick’s family in their prayers at this time.
Nick Maan (pictured) was one of two teens to drown in Victoria in the space of 24 hours
Local politicians also paid tribute.
‘My thoughts and prayers are with all of his friends, family and the local community. A young man lost too soon. Rest In Peace,’ state MP Jason Wood said.
Labor MP Emma Vulin added: My thoughts are with Nick’s family and the entire school community. I am so sorry for your loss.
Nick’s tragic death takes the total number of drownings in Victoria so far this December to 19,
He was the second teen to drown in Victoria within 24 hours over the Christmas holidays.
The other teen, 19, drowned while bodysurfing at Cumberland River Beach, just south of Lorne on Victoria’s Surf Coast, on Christmas Day.
Two other men were also hospitalised after the trio ran into trouble in dangerous surf.
Nick Maan (pictured with schoolmates) was weeks away from starting Year 12
The tragedies have prompted calls from authorities to take care in the water with Melbourne tipped to reach a sweltering 37C on Tuesday.
Life Saving Victoria lifesavers and lifeguards have performed 102 rescues at patrolled beaches this month, compared to 30 rescues during the same period in 2021.
‘After flood events have devastated communities across the state, people are flocking to our coastline to enjoy the water, which may have contributed to the higher number of rescues,’ LSV general manager lifesaving services Liam Krige said.
‘Any body of water can pose a threat so please, make safe decisions whenever you are in, on or around water, such as never swimming alone, ensuring children are actively supervised,’ Mr Krige said.
‘Which means under-fives in arm’s reach and under-tens in your constant and direct eyeline, wearing an approved lifejacket whenever boating or fishing and remembering alcohol and water-related activities do not mix.’
Nick Maan (celebrating at a school formal with friends) was remembered as one of a kind
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