A BRITISH dad has drowned after being swept away to sea as his heartbroken family claim the lifeguards were too slow to respond.
The holidaymaker, 60, had been swimming in Cancun, Mexico with his two children when the tragedy unfolded.
The family entered the water while a red flag was flying – signalling choppy waters Credit: Erick Diaz
The Cancun coastline is a popular tourist hot spot Credit: Getty
Desperate onlookers began calling for help when they spotted the family battling the strong currents on Friday afternoon.
The area where the dad and his kids had entered opposite Nyx Hotel had been flying a red flag – a signal to swimmers for choppy seas.
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The two youngsters, whose ages have not been revealed, were rescued alive.
But their father was hauled ashore unconscious – and later pronounced dead at the scene.
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Devastated relatives accused the beach lifeguards of acting too slowly to rescue the Brit and his children, reported Mexican newspaper Por Esto.
They said that when they saw the father struggling in the water they begged a rescuer to intervene – but that their pleas were ignored.
It was only some moments later that a second lifeguard dove in to help the victims.
Officials have not yet made any comment about the alleged failings in the lifeguard service.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
The names of the father and his children have not yet been made public.
The popular tourist hotspot was cordoned off as ambulances and police swarmed the area.
Harrowing photos show the body lying on the beach covered by a blue blanket.
The beach where the British holidaymaker died is called San Miguelito Beach and is described as one of the best in Cancun.
One local insisted today: “Hoteles should warn guests about how dangerous going into the sea can be.”
Another said: “You come here on holiday and go home without your father. How sad.”
