People are being urged to take care when visiting the beach or coast following nine deaths in the past 10 days.

The Coastguard’s warning has been issued as schools break up for the summer holidays and many people are expected to travel to the beach across the remaining summer months.

A Coastguard spokeswoman said: “In the past 10 days, HM Coastguard recorded that nine people have sadly died while visiting the beach or coast.

“Each death represents a widescale tragedy for the families and friends of those who have died. Others have faced life-changing injuries.”

Beach-goers are being advised to check tide times and be aware of sea currents, hidden depths and rip currents.

The rescue service also recommends that inflatables should not be used and for people to ensure they have fully charged phones.

Claire Hughes, director of HM Coastguard, said: “We can’t emphasise this enough – the sea has no respect for whether you’re local or not and whether you’re experienced or not.

“Think twice about what you’re doing at the coast that might put you, your family and friends and even those who come to rescue you in danger.

“We’ve seen too many tragedies already this summer and we’re sad for those whose families have been left heartbroken by the loss.”

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On Saturday, a woman died after she was pulled from the water at Croyde Beach in North Devon and just three days later, a man died after being pulled from the sea at Crosby Beach in Merseyside.

Five men, at least three in their 20s, got into difficulties on Tuesday evening at the beach.

Three were taken to hospital but one died a short time later, Merseyside Police said.

Another remains in a critical but stable condition while the other was discharged.

The warm weather is expected to continue into the weekend, with temperatures forecast to soar up to 32C (89.6F).

Forecasters believe Sunday could be the hottest day of the year – and that this could be the warmest weekend so far.

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