The collective heart of the Sunshine Coast lifesaving community has been broken by the death of a young man who was described as someone who ‘frothed’ the clubby life.

Hundreds of tributes have poured in for Joe Tolano after the three-day search for the 18-year-old lifesaver ended when his body was seen in the water at Buddina just after 6pm.

It was there he was surfing with mates, enjoying waves on a club malibu board before a training session on Wednesday afternoon when tragedy struck.

18-year-old Joe Tolano drowned after he went missing off Buddina Beach. Picture: Instagram/Abbie Tolano

It’s believed he may have been knocked out by his board.

Clubmates, who had gone in for the training session, raised the alarm when his board came in without him.

A major search, involving helicopters, jetskis, a police patrol boat, divers, and volunteer lifesavers continued into Wednesday and Thursday nights until he was found.

Hundreds of people joined the search over three days.

Surf lifesavers put in a massive effort after one of their own went missing at Buddina on Wednesday, March 4. Picture: Mia Ludwig

Friends and family described the Marcus Beach teen, who was a member of the Sunshine Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, as someone who worked hard at being a great lifesaver.

“Absolute gun athlete, awesome person and fellow life saver lost. Rest in peace mate,’’ Tas Chamberlain posted.

“The worst things happen to the best people,’’ his sister Abbie wrote.

“Just a kid who frothed clubbies and worked his ass of at it.

“You had a huge heart Joey, and it has showed in all the people showing up for you mate.

“Rest easy and hope there are endless barrels up there for you.”

“Always had a positive outlook on life,” Zane Gorissen wrote.

“I’ll never forget him.”

A floral tribute left at Buddina Beach in the wake of Joe Tolano’s tragic death. Picture: Mark Furler

Champion Ironman and paddleboarder Matt Bevilacqua said Joe was “the most inspired, hard working and passionate kid I have ever met”.
“I will never forget those bright eyes and smile,” he said.

“Joey had a big heart and even bigger smile,” former Olympian Janelle Pallister wrote.
“Absolutely devastating. Enjoy the endless surfing Joe.”
“A great young man I only knew briefly, a smile like no other that just seemed to make everyone’s day and bring them together,” Jacob Thomson wrote.

Joe Tolano with his older sister Abbie. Picture: Instagram/Abbie Tolano

 Tracy Doble said it was a very sad day for club members and ‘especially the members that found him’.

Others described devastated families being gathered at the beach near Pt Cartwright, one of the most picturesque places on the Coast and known for its good waves when the surf is up.

“I know the Sunny Coast community will band together to support the family.”

Two Mooloolaba Coast Guard vessels joined the search for the missing lifesaver on the Sunshine Coast.

The Beach Matters Community group described the tragedy as heartbreaking.

“Our immense love and thoughts go out to his family and friends at this incredibly traumatic time. We are so sorry for your loss … May you rest in paradise mate, gone way too soon, doing what you loved.”

The Pt Cartwright area is popular for surfers, particularly when the swell is up.

Young pastor Alex Tan, who described the death as ‘absolutely tragic’, offered his new church at Lake Kawana for a memorial for the lifesaver.

“Hope this might help the family. We are here for you.”

Anne Cameron expressed the sentiment of many, thanking the young man for the hours of dedicated service to his community.

“You gave selflessly to keep them safe and sorry you were unable to be saved, just heartbreaking for your mates.”

Tributes have flowed online for the teenager since his body was found on Friday. Picture: Instagram/Abbie Tolano

Maria Strano said that as someone with a lifesaver son roughly the same age, it was one of her biggest fears.

“The SLS community will be feeling this and will rally around his family.”

Police said a report would be prepared for the coroner.

More to come