The family of Paul Fehrenback, who died after being rescued from sea last weekend, are planning the most fitting of tributes to him on what would have been his 81st birthday.

Paul was a devoted husband, father, paps, colleague and friend to so many people around the Falmouth area so it is hoped that many of them will gather at Swanpool Beach at 2pm on October 22 to take a dip in his memory.

Former Falmouth Docks worker, Paul, who lived at Ferndale Road with his wife, Diane, and son Andrew, was well known for his ocean antics. He swam at least twice a day for more than 40 years, first of all at the docks and lifeboat station before moving on to Swanpool, where he used to supervise the children on the bouncy castle - a job which earned him he nickname, Bounce.

He got into trouble while taking his afternoon dip last Sunday, October 1, and despite being rescued and resuscitate on the beach, he died in hospital the following morning.

To celebrate what would have been his 81st birthday and to remember him and his love of the sea, his family are going to do what he loved to do most - take a dip all together at Swanpool Beach. They are inviting anyone who knew him to either come along and take part in the swim, or to just join them to mark this special day by sharing memories and stories with one another.

"We as a family can’t think of a better way to mark Pap's passing than with as many of us as possible taking a dip into the sea," said his grandson, James Herman. "This is not to be a sombre occasion but a celebration. He was a legend. He would be watching, laughing and feeling proud I just know he would."

Dany Duncan, of Elemental, was one of the first to agree to join in. "It was regular as clock work to see Paul head into the sea at Swanpool in his swimming trunks," he said. "It became part of our daily routine to chat with him before his dip. I know the Swanpool team will be there to join in and say goodbye to 'Bounce' in the best way we could think of."

Paul's wife of 56 years, Diane, added: "Of course it’s a difficult time for us all, but Paul loved the sea and swimming was his passion. I am so touched that the family, grandchildren and Falmouth friends are marking this in such a personal way. I’ll be there to cheer them all on."

The swim will come only days after Paul's funeral service which will be held at noon on Thursday, October 19, at St Gluvias Church in Penryn. It will be followed by a chance to gather and remember Paul at Falmouth Rugby Club.

Paul leaves not only Diane and son, Andrew, but also two daughters, Paula Sloggett and Debbie Bowers, who was on holiday in Greece when he was taken ill; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and his elder brother, Michael.

The whole family want to thank the emergency services who attended and helped Paul on October 2. "Their emergency care meant we got to say our goodbyes, we can’t thank them enough," they said.

The swim isn’t a fundraiser, but donations will be accepted on the beach which will be shared with the Falmouth coastguard rescue team, South West Ambulance Service, Cornwall and Devon Police and the Coastguard.

"Swanpool Beach Café will be open for hot drinks and Elemental have offered the use of wetsuits if anyone isn’t quite ready to take to the sea in just their costumes," said James. "Let’s send him off properly Falmouth. See you there 2pm in your Speedos."