THE CORONER who conducted an inquest into the tragic death of a holidaymaker in the sea at Tywyn has come under fire from Gwynedd Council.

Coroner Peter Brunton criticised beach patrol marshals who he said “dithered” on the coastline as Richard Guest, 74, battled for his life in the Tywyn sea, trying to save two 13-year-old girls from drowning.

Mr Guest (pictured) tragically drowned on 4 July, although it is possible he suffered a heart attack due to his exertions in the cold waters.

Speaking at the inquest, Mr Brunton raised concerns that the beach marshals “played no part” in the rescue effort and asked “what is the point of having marshals if they don’t enter the sea?”

The coroner added: “This gives cause for concern. They remained totally passive as far as this tragic event was concerned.”

However Gwynedd Council has criticised Mr Brunton and suggested that the beach wardens actively assisted in retrieving one of the struggling girls from the crashing surf.