Warning after man dies swimming off Kent coast

Matthew Collins died while swimming in the sea at Broadstairs

The family of a man who died in the sea off the Kent coast are warning of the dangers of cold water swimming.

Matthew Collins, who was 38 and had six children and three grandchildren, died in the water at Cliff Promenade, Broadstairs, last Wednesday.

He and a friend decided to go swimming to cool off after visiting the gym.

His mother said his family are going through "unbearable" pain.

Melanie Collins-Brett added: "He was a fantastic dad, a loving son, a gentleman. Everyone who met him loved him.

"Everyone's just devastated."

His former partner Sarah Whittaker said: "He wasn't a strong swimmer. This is a tragedy.

"He's got his three-week old baby he was over the moon about."

Mr Collins is thought to have suffered a heart attack while in the water

Matt Croxall, from the Royal Lifesaving Society, said anyone venturing into open water during colder weather should be aware of the dangers.

He said: "We often have issues with cold water shock, where people literally can have their breath taken away, particularly if they jump in rather than slowly acclimatising to the water."

Ms Collins-Brett said: "If we can save somebody from going in that sea and it happening again, I think Matthew would like that.

"The pain we're all going through is unbearable."

Kent Police is preparing a report for the coroner.