A woman in her 60s has died after drowning off a Lincolnshire beach.
The emergency services rushed to the scene at Skegness beach after the woman got into difficulty in the water.
An RNLI lifeboat and crew were alerted to rescue the woman, along with a coastguard helicopter and an air ambulance.
The swimmer was pulled from the water at about 5.30pm.
She was brought back to shore, where she died, Lincolnshire Police said.
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The force said: ‘Her next of kin are aware. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.’
Footage shows the coastguard helicopter circling over the scene before landing at the beach 15 minutes after the woman was brought on shore.
People reacted to the news on social media.
One beachgoer wrote: ‘Heartbreaking was there with my grandson, so many people having fun, but in a moment her life was taken away.’
Another one said: ‘Was in the sea with my daughter at Skegness last week, we were only knee deep. It was a strange sea that day, it was calm and then you would get 3 or 4 big powerful waves. I can swim in the sea, I’ve always done it, but that day you could feel the power of the water trying to pull you in. At times, I was struggling to stand up. It was a dangerous sea that day.’
Another person said: ‘That is so very sad. Condolences to the family concerned. Thank you to all involved in this emergency, so tragic that it ended so sadly.’
Skegness beach is a popular spot for families and swimmers to enjoy the water and activities, including a paddling pool and kayaking.
During the peak season, a lifeguard is stationed at the beach.
Like all beaches along the North Sea coast, Skegness beach also experiences tides.
While it is not known for particularly strong currents, the spring tide range in particular can be noticeable, which can affect water depth.
Tides can change quickly and take beachgoers by surprise, the Met Office has warned.
It can rise so high that it can cut off the way out of the beach.
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