Daughter says dad Dave Gourley died ‘doing what he loves’ during Geraldton Aquarena tragedy

The daughter of a swimmer who died suddenly at Geraldton Aquarena yesterday morning has paid a touching tribute to the man who took her on “loads of adventures”. Dave Gourley, 68, could not be revived after he was found unresponsive during an early morning swim at the public pool just after 7.30am yesterday. Staff at the Aquarena attempted to resuscitate him, and he was taken by ambulance to Geraldton Hospital. A St John’s Ambulance spokesperson said two crews were sent to the scene at 7.48am and he was taken to hospital as a priority one. Mr Gourley’s daughter Julia took to Facebook yesterday to confirm her father had died “suddenly doing what he loves” — swimming. “I can hear him now saying ‘we all have to go sometime Darling’, but I just wished it wasn’t your time yet Dad,” she wrote. “We made the best Dad and Daughter team, we had so much fun and loads of adventures. “I’m so grateful for the time we had spending together and I’m so glad that we had an amazing roast dinner on Sunday and watched a movie afterwards, our little family tradition.” She described Mr Gourley as the “best Grandad” who took his grandchildren swimming, to the cinema and was known for his “big hugs”. Ms Gourley said her dad “will be taken to Perth to the Coroners” and she would update loved ones when funeral arrangements had been made. Many friends posted their condolences to Mr Gourley’s family, saying he was an “absolute legend of a man” and a “gentle giant”. Geraldton Police operations manager Sgt Steve Beswick said police did not attend the scene yesterday but received a call from the hospital informing them of a “sudden death” at the Aquarena. “An investigation into the incident is ongoing, we investigate all sudden deaths until such time a cause of death can be confirmed,” he said. A WA Police spokeswoman said the death was not being treated as “suspicious” and police would prepare a report for the coroner. A City of Greater Geraldton spokesperson said the City extended its deepest condolences and thoughts to the man’s family and friends. Mayor Shane Van Styn added that ensuring the wellbeing of staff was a top priority after the “traumatic” incident. “Obviously this has been a traumatic experience for staff and the City is offering counselling and support services to those involved,” he said. The Aquarena was closed for the remainder of Tuesday to allow staff to undergo counselling but reopened today.