Two foreign men had to be assisted by lifeguards today after finding themselves in difficulty while swimming.

One, a 59-year-old Briton, died at Gozo General Hospital later.

He was originally assisted by the Emergency Response Rescue Corps at Crystal Lagoon in Comino at 2.30pm.

The ERRC said that lifeguards stationed and responsible for the Blue Lagoon area, approached the English man who was unresponsive and assisted him by providing all lifesaving measures.

He was taken to Gozo General Hospital by an AFM helicopter but died soon after. An inquiry is being held.

A 72-year-old Serb was assisted by Malta Red Cross Lifeguards in Golden Bay at around 2pm. He did not require hospital treatment.

Red Cross chief lifeguard Robert Brincau said double-red flags were hoisted by lifeguards today, indicating that, due to the rough sea conditions, the beach was dangerous for swimming.

Mr Brincau urged all bathers to abide by the instructions given by lifeguards.

Apart from hoisting the flags, Malta Red Cross Lifeguards also verbally advise people that swimming under double-red flag conditions was a risk to their lives.

Unfortunately, not everyone heeded the warnings endangering their lives and the lives of lifeguards who are then called upon to rescue the swimmers, he said.

The lifeguarding service at the Blue Lagoon in Comino is possible due to financial support from the Malta Tourist Authority. Support is also being provided by the Ministry for Gozo, Mgarr Marina, Transport Malta, Police, Armed Forces of Malta, and the Civil Protection Department.