A MAN has died after being caught in dangerous water off a busy beach in Poole.

The man was dragged from the sea by lifeguards after having been seen ‘in difficulty’ at Sandbanks just before 3.30pm yesterday.

Emergency services rushed to Shore Road but despite their attempts the man – who has not been formally identified – died at the scene.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “At 3.37pm police received a call from the RNLI at Sandbanks beach requesting assistance. It was reported that a male was seen having difficulties in the rip current outside the safe-swim area.

“Lifeguards recovered him from the water and performed CPR.

“Air Ambulance and paramedics attended.

“However he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious. The coroner has been informed.”

One witness said they saw a man being brought back in from the sea. He believed the man was close to the rocks and said he then saw emergency personnel trying to revive him for around 45 minutes.

Members of the RNLI, Coastguard, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, road ambulance paramedics, police and beach wardens were present.

The man’s next of kin have been informed.