The family of Bronson Rhodes gathers under the trees at the beach where their son, brother, grandson and friend went missing on Saturday.
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As the search moves into the retrieval phase of the operation, the look of despair is even more deeply etched across their faces.
The search - now in its fourth day - is still, officially, ongoing.
Even as a casual observer, you find yourself looking out across the expanse of water with the forlorn hope that the sighting of the 14 year old's body from Saturday afternoon will be repeated.
And with the beach now open to the public, it is difficult to juxtapose one vision: hundreds of festive beachgoers compared with the tight knit family group. All sitting under the same trees.
You cannot imagine the family’s thoughts and you don't want to – or can’t – image what they are feeling.
It is gut-wrenching.
How can you justify or rationalise a family day out that turns so tragically?
How can you justify or rationalise a family day out that turns so tragically?
How can a son, brother, grandson or friend go into the water with a couple of mates. And not come out.
From all accounts 14 year old Bronson was a sporty kind of a kid who loved being active.
His school, Wauchope High School, offered counselling to the entire school community over two days. A number took up the offer.
Bronson also enjoyed - in fact loved - rugby league.
His footy club, the Wauchope Junior Rugby League Club, is waiting in the wings and has plans to hold an event to remember their young charge.
Others are helping in their own particular way.
That page reads: 'With permission from immediate family. Bronson Rhodes, a young man tragically taken too soon. Loved and admired in the local community. Please help support the family during this devastating and painful time'.
While the support is continuing to unfold, the searchers maintain a vigilant watch over Flynns Beach and down to Shelly Beach.
You also have to remember that hundreds and hundreds of manhours - and even greater proportions of hope - have gone into the search and retrieval phase.
The coordinated search effort was staggering in its swiftness, its professionalism and its desire to achieve something for the family. Anything.
And what drives those searchers on?
A sense of duty; a knowing sense that they want to provide the family with some kind of closure. Something.
These people are volunteers who are trained - in the simplest of language - to stand on the shore of their local beach. To patrol.
Few would ever expect to be called on to undertake a search for a missing swimmer. Let alone someone so young.
