Beachgoers on the Costa Blanca have been urged to take ‘maximum precautions’ after three people, including a British holidaymaker, died in strong currents off the same stretch of beach in 24 hours.

The 52-year-old British man and a 46-year-old from Poland both died around midday on Friday after they went into the water to help two young children who got into difficulties off the coast of La Roqueta beach in Guardamar de Segura (pictured), south of Alicante.

Both children were saved but two other people were taken to hospital with breathing difficulties.

The deaths happened the day after a 68-year-old Israeli man drowned off the same beach. In total, eight people have drowned in the province of Alicante in the first seven days of June.

Local reports say there have been gusting winds of up to 40mph and the weekend weather is forecast to be ‘unstable’.

The Civil Guard said: “Two people lost their lives. One was British and the other Polish. They were both trying to help two young children who were in difficulties in the sea. The sea conditions were pretty bad.”

Guardamar del Segura Mayor Jose Luis Saez said: “Three deaths from drowning in the last 24 hours at Guardamar’s beaches. The prevailing sea conditions are very dangerous, with strong dragging currents making bathing unadvisable.

“Maximum precaution is needed as the weekend weather is going to be unstable.”