A woman in her sixties has died after getting into difficulty at a popular UK beach.
Emergency services were called to the scene at Helen’s Bay in County Down at around 1pm on Saturday afternoon.
A number of beachgoers tried to help the swimmers before first responders arrived.
The woman was given treatement at the scne before being transported to hospital.
However, despite the best efforts of emergency personnel, the woman died in hospital.
Police confirmed they are not treating the death as suspicious.
Two other swimmers were also rushed to hospital after getting into trouble.
A Hazardous Area Response Team crew, was deployed alongside a critical care paramedic and an ambulance officer to provide advanced medical support at the coastal location.
Two other swimmers were rushed to hospital
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PA
Also involved in the search operation was a coastguard helicopter which was scrambled to provide aerial support to responders working on the ground and in the water.
Coastguard rescue teams from both Bangor and Portaferry were dispatched to assist with the incident.
Independent MP for North Down, Alex Easton, thanked the members of the public and emergency teams who helped with the rescue effort.
He said: “My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
“I know the wider community will also be shocked by this very sad news.
“Helen’s Bay is a place many families cherish, which makes this loss all the more heartbreaking.
“This tragic incident is a reminder of how quickly emergencies can arise around our coastline.
“I encourage everyone to take care when visiting our beaches.”
A local police spokesman said: “Police can confirm a woman, aged in her 60s has died following a report of a concern for safety in the Helens Bay area.
“Police received a report that the Coastguard had removed three people from the water.
“One woman was taken to hospital where sadly she has since died.
“Her death is not being treated as suspicious.”