WIREDGOV

RoSPA's response to Wednesday's five deaths at Camber Sands:

David Walker, RoSPA’s leisure safety manager, said: “We are terribly sorry to hear of the tragedy at Camber Sands, and our thoughts are with those involved and their families. It’s too early in the investigation for us to comment on what happened, but we can point people towards our general water safety advice, particularly ahead of the bank holiday weekend.

“The most positive choice you can take is to go to a lifeguarded beach – check out the Marine Conservation Society’s www.goodbeachguide.co.uk for where these are.

“Be aware of tides, even if you are not intending to be in the water, as a quick-turning tide can catch out walkers, climbers, and others enjoying the shore. Strong currents are a danger, so make sure you know how to spot rip currents and know how to escape them.

“Bear in mind that the water can be colder than you expect, even in the summer months, and can lead even the strongest swimmers into trouble at any location.”