British tourist dies after trying to save two children struggling in water off Costa Blanca beach
A British tourist has died after trying to save two children struggling in water in Spain.
The 52-year-old man ran into the water in attempting of helping the kids, aged six and seven, along with others at La Roqueta beach in Guardamar de Segura in Costa Blanca.
However, the Brit passed away, alongside a 46-year-old man from Poland.
Two others, believed to be a woman aged around 20 and a man, 22, were rushed to hospital with breathing problems.
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Torrevieja University Hospital sources have said their lives weren't in danger.
This tragic incident reportedly took place around midday today (7 June) and the Civil Guard said: "Two people lost their lives.
"One was British and the other Polish. They were both trying to help two young children who were in difficulties in the sea. The sea conditions were pretty bad."
The local mayor has issued a warning to those planning on heading into the sea in the area as this now makes three drownings in the last two days.
And it is reported that the lifeguard service at the town centre beach to the south of Alicante is not yet up and running.
Most councils along the coast don't put their lifeguard services in place on the beaches until 15 June as that's when the high season is considered to start.
Guardamar del Segura mayor Jose Luis Saez said after this double tragedy: “Three deaths from drowning in the last 24 hours at Guardamar’s beaches.
“The prevailing sea conditions are very dangerous, with strong dragging currents making bathing unadvisable.”
He added: “Maximum precaution is needed as the weekend weather is going to be unstable.”
With three deaths in the last 24 hours, means there have now been eight drownings in Alicante within just the first seven days of June.
Nearby to today's tragedies, a 76-year-old Irishman recently drowned at Cala Capitan cove.
The other drowning victims have included a Belgian pensioner and a Moldovan man. Three bathers also passed away on Monday in Calpe, Elche and Oriheula which are all in the Alicante area on the Costa Blanca.
It is also reported that just yesterday, a 68-year-old Israeli national died at the same beach as today's tragic deaths.
Alicante is a particularly popular region of Spain for tourists, with many Brits flocking there each year for holidays by the beach.
Jess Battison