A MAN who died after getting caught in dangerous currents off a Poole beach was a 50-year-old, understood to have been among a coach party visiting the area.

The man, who has not been named, got into difficulties in the water off the Poole beach on Saturday afternoon just before 3.30pm.

Emergency services rushed to Shore Road but despite their attempts to save him the casualty – described by South West Ambulance Service Trust as a 50-year-old man - died at the scene.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said 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 and 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.