FRESH calls are being made for improvements to safety on the Meirionnydd coast, after the death of a kayaker who got in trouble in the sea off Tywyn.

The kayaker, in his 30s and from the West Midlands, died whilst being transported to hospital on Sunday, 9 May.

He is thought to be the fourth person in the last six years to die after getting into difficulty in the sea near Tywyn. Two teenagers also drowned near Barmouth in 2016.

North Wales Police were called to the latest incident at 12.41pm on Sunday, after HM Coastguard reported a kayaker had got into difficulty in the sea.

Sadly, police confirmed later that the man died whilst being transported to hospital.

Local resident Mark Kendall said more measures must be put in place at Tywyn to protect people along the coast and in the sea.

He said: “Aberdyfi has the inshore lifeboat and Barmouth has a large lifeboat further up the coast. Further south, Borth has a small inflatable that can be launched and Aberystwyth has a lifeboat.

“We need something that can be launched from Tywyn. The riptide isn’t going anywhere, so something needs to be put in place to rescue people who get stuck in it.”

MP Liz Saville Roberts, who previously called for more improvements to beach safety in Meirionnydd, said: “I’d like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the young man who tragically lost his life and pay tribute to the valiant efforts of the emergency services and the RNLI.

“This tragic incident reminds us how dangerous and unpredictable the sea can be, and the Meirionnydd coastline is no exception, as we have sadly experienced all too often in recent years.

“All options to improve safety on our coastline should be considered and a collaborative, multi-agency effort which includes the RNLI is needed to look at how this could be properly arranged.”

Cllr Mike Stevens, said: “This is a tragedy, and all my sympathies go to this man’s family. A rip current can happen at any time. As an old surfer myself who has surfed for years, I accept it’s my risk.

“There’s no lifeguard at Tywyn and you go into the sea at your own risk. It’s like rock climbing or cycling, you are aware of the dangers.”

Fellow Tywyn councillor Anne Lloyd Jones said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died following the accident off the coast of Tywyn on Sunday. Despite all the efforts of the emergency services it is with great sadness that we heard of his death.”

A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the individual at this sad time.

“Whilst extremely beautiful, our coastline can also be very dangerous. We would urge everyone who visits to be extremely careful and to follow important advice, guidance and warnings provided on all our beaches in order to stay safe.

“Three members of staff from the council’s Maritime Service were part of the rescue operation working alongside the coastguard, the ambulance service and the RNLI and we are grateful for their brave efforts.”