A TRAGIC final photo of a dad smiling with his family was taken just hours before he drowned trying to save his two kids from being swept away by the riptide.

Brad Coleman, 40, was enjoying a holiday in the seaside village of Hyam’s Beach, Australia, when his two children got into difficulty in the sea.

Arriving on the New South Wales south coast on March 4, Brad beamed as he posed for a photo with his wife Hulya and two kids Raidan, 12, and Aleyna, 11.

Just hours later, the youngsters were swimming in the sea when an unusually strong rip currant pulled them in deeper.

Hearing their screams for help, Brad dashed into the water and managed to get them to safety – but tragically drowned as he saved his kids, reports news.com.au.

His panicked wife Hulya rushed to help but suffered a heart attack from the shock of the incident and had to be rushed to hospital, reports 2GB.

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Brad's brother Scott has set up a fundraising page to support family, with well-wishers donating more than £47,000.

In a heartbreaking tribute on the page, Scott described his brother as his "best friend" and "devoted father".

"On that Friday afternoon, a rare long weekend getaway for the family, Brad’s children, aged 12 and 11, got into difficulty in the water," he wrote.

"Brad, a devoted father, didn’t hesitate. A hero, he saved his children but unfortunately could not save himself.

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"His family must face a future without him, their lives changed in an instant in the most painful manner.

"Brad was my brother, my best friend, and the best man I knew.

"Any donation you can make, small or large, to assist in the long-term support of Brad’s family will be gratefully and humbly received."

A service for Brad, from Hurlstone Park, was held in Matraville on March 17.

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