A dad who died on his 33rd birthday saving his son's life after their kayak capsized has been hailed by his wife as a 'hero'.
Peter Finch, 33, and son Jaxon, 4, were kayaking at Gwandalan, near Lake Macquarie, about 5.30pm on Friday when disaster struck.
The father-of-two held the toddler in the air as he treaded water until onlookers rushed over and dragged the pair to safety.
Bystanders and paramedics performed CPR but Mr Finch could not be saved. Jaxon was uninjured due to his dad's selfless act.
Peter Finch tragically died saving his son's life in a kayaking accident near Lake Macquarie on Friday. He is pictured with son Jaxon, four, and one-year-old daughter Shelby
His wife Natalie paid tribute to her husband of more than 17 years in an emotional post on Facebook, promising Jaxon and their 16-month-old daughter Shelby would always know of their dad's heroism.
'Peter, my husband, my lover, my best friend, my partner in crime, my hero, I don't know how to do life without you!' she wrote.
'You have been my rock for the last 17-and-a-half years. No one has my back like you do! You are the most amazing, fun, loving, beautiful daddy. I promise the kids will always know just how wonderful you are, our hero.
'The kids and I love you forever and always, to the moon and back and back again, more than all the stars in the sky.'
Ms Finch thanked the paramedics who desperately tried to save her husband's life and everyone in the community for their support.
'Thank you to everyone for your messages and beautiful gestures, we
