CALLS have been made to improve safety measures at a ‘dangerous’ beach after a father was killed while trying to save his son from drowning.

A large wave crashed over the boy and started dragging him out to sea at West Bexington just before 5pm on Thursday, August 7.

A man in his 40s from Enfield, believed to be the boy’s father, dived straight in to try and rescue the child.

The man was airlifted to Dorset County Hospital, but sadly died.

Dorset Police, Coastguard rescue teams, the Portland Coastguard helicopter and lifeboat crews were involved in the rescue operation.

A West Bexington councillor, with more than 35 years' experience as a diver, has called for improved safety measures and suggested that visitors should be warned not to set foot in the water.

Cllr Eonne Sinclair, from Puncknowle and Swyre Parish Council, said: “I have been in some particularly severe conditions - but the beach at West Bexington is one of the worst I have ever experienced.

“I don’t think anyone at all should be going in the sea at West Bexington. It is too dangerous. From my experience, everyone should simply stay away.”

Cllr Sinclair also believes the safety buoy, which rescuers attempted to use to save the victim, is located too far away, and is the wrong type of equipment.

“I think people should know it is not safe for diving and even paddling,” he said.

“When they did throw the buoy, the wind was too strong and it was useless. They haven’t got the right equipment.”

A senior coastguard officer has also urged people not to ‘under-estimate the surf’ at West Bexington and said it can be difficult to install safety equipment at such an open area.

Rob Sansom, Area Senior Coastal Operations Officer, said: “Unfortunately the buoys can be rather heavy and they couldn’t throw it far enough to reach him.

“The problem is that the coastline is quite big. As soon as you go away from any buildings, it becomes difficult to actually install any life-saving equipment.”

Mr Sansom has advised people to always check the forecast before visiting any beach, along with tide times.

West Dorset District Council owns a section of the beach at West Bexington next to the car park. The authority said it displays clear safety signage while equipment is regularly checked by the Bridport Harbour Master.

Portfolio holder for environmental protection and assets, Cllr John Russell, ward member for Burton Bradstock, said: “On behalf of the district council I wish to express my condolences to the family and friends of the man who died tragically last week at West Bexington.

“The problem is there is nothing to stop the tides along that area of the south shore until you get to Portland.

“That’s really the challenge of that part of the water. It’s very deep.

“The council will cooperate fully with any investigations into what happened that day.”