A boy who died after becoming stuck between rocks at a beach on Easter Sunday has been named, as his family said their “hearts are broken”.

Kaison Greaves, known as Kai, nine, died in the freak accident South West Rocks north of Port Macquarie, on the Mid North Coast of NSW.

The rocks are off the shore and an investigation is underway into what happened.

Kai was on holiday in New South Wales with his family, from Queensland, a friend said on a fundraising page, when the incident unfolded around 3.30pm.

His father, David Greaves said his son was “larger than life”

“He was an adventurer, strong-willed and incredibly funny, and always had a cheeky grin,” he said in a statement.

“He was an amazing big brother and his brother says is it raining because the angels are crying for Kaison.

Inspector Peter Walton said he had likely been playing when he died in a “tragic misadventure”.

NSW Police and Fire and Rescue NSW officers and Surf Life Saving NSW crews got him out, but he died at the scene, police said.

Surf Lifesaving NSW said it was the worst Easter weekend on record for ocean drownings.