Young international student identified as drowning victim at Victorian beach

A 26-year-old international student has been identified as the man who died while swimming in rough surf at a Victorian beach last week.

Jil Khokhara was swimming with two men, near Apollo Bay, about 1.15pm on March 17 when they were swept out to sea.

All three swimmers were pulled from the water unconscious by Melbourne woman Brianna Hurst.

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He died, while the other two men were airlifted to hospital in a critical condition.

Khokhara has been described as a loving man who travelled to Australia with the hope of supporting his family financially.

He was studying at La Trobe University in Melbourne and was in the country for just 10 months before he died.

"His dreams were cut short," a GoFundMe page said.

"Jil's passing has not only left his family in deep mourning but has also put his cousin brother, Jignesh, in critical condition fighting for his life in the ICU.

"Jil was known for his kind heart, diligent work ethic, and being an exceptional friend and son."

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His family started the fundraiser, which has raised more than $50,000 to transport Khokhara's body back to India.

It's been one of the worst summers for drowning deaths in Victoria on record, according to Surf Life Saving Victoria.