Teenage swimmer dies after being swept away

A teenager died and two others were injured today when they were caught by a rip current while swimming in the sea.

Humber Coastguard received multiple 999 calls at 12.45pm reporting that three teenagers were being swept out to sea near the pier at Whitby, North Yorkshire.

The first teenager was pulled unconscious from the water and taken by helicopter to Scarborough Hospital but was later pronounced dead.

The two other teenagers, both female, were pulled conscious from the water and carried to the beach before being taken to hospital for treatment.

After receiving the emergency calls, Whitby Beach Lifeguards entered the water to recover the youths and the coastguard sent Whitby Coastguard rescue team, Whitby RNLI inshore lifeboat and Rescue Helicopter 128 from RAF Leconfield to the scene.

Once all three had been recovered from the water, the two females were assessed by a paramedic on the beach and were found to be very cold. They had swallowed a lot of salt water.

They were taken to hospital for treatment for hypothermia and secondary drowning.

Katie Gellatly, Humber Coastguard watch officer, warned of the dangers of swimming in the sea.

She said: "This incident reminds us all of the hidden dangers present when swimming at the beach, and we would urge all members of the public visiting the coast to use lifeguarded beaches where possible, and take note of any signs or flags that show which areas are safe to bathe in."