A man has died after getting into difficulty in the sea at West Wittering beach, one of the south coast’s most popular spots, despite the efforts of lifeguards and paramedics who pulled him from the water.
Emergency services were called to the beach near the Beach Café on Pound Road at around 2.30pm on Sunday after reports that two adults were in trouble. Both men were brought ashore and treated at the scene, but one — a 55-year-old — was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
“A 55-year-old man died after being pulled from the sea at West Wittering beach; the other man was taken to hospital.”
The other man was taken to hospital as a precaution. Police said the two are not believed to be known to each other.
In a statement, Sussex Police said: “Emergency services were called to the beach near the Beach Café, Pound Road, West Wittering, around 2.30pm on Sunday, 26 July, after two adults got into difficulty in the water. Both were pulled from the sea and received treatment from emergency services at the scene. Sadly, one of the men was pronounced dead at the scene. The other man has been taken to hospital as a precaution. The men are not believed to be known to each other. Next of kin have been informed and the matter has been passed to the coroner’s officer.”
West Wittering Beach administrators posted on Facebook confirming the death and thanking those who responded. “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a 55-year-old man has sadly passed away following an incident at West Wittering Beach today,” the post read. “Our lifeguards responded immediately and together with the ambulance service, coastguard and other emergency services, provided advanced first aid and CPR. Despite their best efforts, he was sadly pronounced deceased. The circumstances surrounding this incident are currently being established, and it would be inappropriate to speculate at this time. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the man’s family, friends and all those affected by this tragic incident. We would like to thank our lifeguards, emergency service colleagues and members of the public who assisted during the response. We respectfully ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this incredibly difficult time.”
The beach, which requires visitors to book online for parking due to its popularity, has become a haunt for the wealthy. The incident comes as The Mirror’s Save Lives For Sam water safety campaign calls for urgent action to tackle the UK’s growing drowning crisis, including compulsory water safety lessons in schools and a dedicated Minister for Water Safety.
