A 79-YEAR-OLD swimmer found dead in the sea was named by police last night .The body of Colin Wilkin, of Beacon Hill Avenue, was spotted at around 10.

A 79-YEAR-OLD swimmer found dead in the sea was named by police last night .

The body of Colin Wilkin, of Beacon Hill Avenue, was spotted at around 10.15am in waters near Marine Parade, Harwich.

The ambulance service, police and coastguards attended the scene. It is believed Mr Wilkin's body may have drifted down from by the promenade.

It is not yet known whether Mr Wilkin died as a result of illness or if he had run into difficulties swimming.

However, police said yesterday the death was not being treated as suspicious.

Mr Wilkin's family told officers that he went swimming most days.

A spokesman for Walton-based Thames Coastguard said: "We were contacted by the ambulance service about the incident and launched the Harwich Inshore Lifeboat. We then tasked the Walton Coastguard team who went to the scene.

"The body was recovered by Harwich Lifeboat's shore crew and the ambulance service. The body was only a few metres out."

The spokesman stressed that if possible it was always preferable to swim with someone on the shore who could spot any trouble and raise an alarm.

"In general, if you decide to go swimming in the sea, the main thing is to know your limitations and have knowledge of where you are. Some areas have tidal currents.

"You should also try and be aware of any obstructions beneath the surface.

"If any member of the public does spot a swimmer in any trouble the should call 999 and ask for the coastguard."

A police spokeswoman echoed his advice: "It will not be clear until after a post mortem whether Mr Wilkin died as a result of illness or got into trouble in the water, but we would use the opportunity to remind people of the dangers of the sea.

"Always try to ensure you are not alone when swimming, particularly in areas where there is no lifeguard assistance."