Teenager in sea tragedy

took the girl to shore while Mr Jones went further out into the water to reach the boy, who was unconscious.

He kept him afloat until the inshore lifeboat crew reached them and recovered them both into the lifeboat.

The youngster was given emergency resuscitation in the lifeboat until a rescue helicopter arrived and transferred him to Scarborough Hospital.

He was pronounced dead a short time later.

The second girl is thought to have made it to the shore unaided, the RNLI Lifeguards spokeswoman said. Both she and the other girl were taken to the same hospital when the rescue helicopter returned to the beach and their injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

Both were conscious but were very cold and had swallowed a lot of salt water, prompting concerns they had secondary drowning where water enters the lungs. If untreated, drowning can occur several hours later as the water affects breathing.

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.”

Hilary Jones, Scarborough Borough Council’s strategic director, added: “We are shocked to hear of this tragic incident and our thoughts go out to the family of the young boy who lost his life and the other two teenagers involved.”