Lifeguards on jet skis raced to save a boy who died after getting in difficulty in the water at a beauty spot.

The 17-year-old was on a school trip at West Wittering beach from Uxbridge College in London.

A spokesman for the private West Wittering Estate said the boy died despite the best efforts of lifeguards and emergency services.

“We are deeply saddened to report that a 17-year-old boy drowned yesterday after getting into difficulty in the water.

“Lifeguards deployed their equipment, including jet skis, to rush to the scene.

"Police and emergency services were there quickly with members of HM Coastguard, before the young man was transported by helicopter to hospital where he unfortunately later died.

"His next of kin has been notified and our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time," the spokesman said.

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Other children, believed to be his classmates, were visibly distressed on the beach after he was airlifted to hospital.

A passerby said: “I was at the beach from around 1pm.

“Suddenly there were loads of police and coastguard. I could see lots of upset children and people from what looked like a school trip.

“It was absolutely horrendous. The tide was out at that time.”

Photographs of the scene showed dozens of emergency service workers attending the incident.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Emergency services and HM Coastguard were called to concerns for a boy’s welfare in the sea off West Wittering beach at around 1pm on Tuesday, July 2.

"A 17-year-old boy was airlifted to hospital, where he was sadly confirmed deceased. His next of kin have been informed."

Detective Inspector Darren Taylor said: “This was an absolutely tragic incident and I would like to express my sincere condolences to the boy’s loved ones at this heartbreaking time.

“A police investigation, supported by the Health and Safety Executive, is under way to establish the full facts.

“We are asking anyone who has any information that could help to contact us online or via 101, quoting Operation Redhill.”

The private West Wittering Estate was set up to preserve the natural environment for the public.