A multi-agency search and rescue operation was swiftly established and remains ongoing.
Councillor Bagwell said: “This tragedy should never have happened.
“He was just literally being a part of a family and trying to save his family.”
The water around Rockley at Rock Lea River and Wareham Channel is notorious, on Friday two young girls were saved by a paddle boarder and lifeboat.
Julie said: “At Rockley Point the water is just treacherous.
“The two girls a few days before, that was a near-miss and it could’ve been those two - this is how crazy it is.
“We’ve got to try and stop this from happening again.”