“The two victims, accompanied by the grandmother, had left the area of Salgada beach, which is under lifeguard surveillance, and went for a walk during which, we believe, they must have been knocked over and swept away by the waves.”
The fishermen who saw the three holidaymakers struggling in the water did what they could to save them, Mr Silva added. “They lifted them out of the water and took them to shore, calling the rescue services to come and help.”
The grandmother was taken to hospital in nearby Albaca, where she was said to be out of danger.
The two victims have not been named. “We are aware of reports of the death of two British nationals on a beach in Portugal and are liaising with the local authorities,” said a Foreign Office spokesman.
The parents of the child were described as being “in deep shock”.
Salgado beach, which stretches over 3.5 miles, is popular with surfers and body boarders attracted by the rolling Atlantic breakers but its tides are known locally to be dangerous and swimmers are warned to take great care.
The Foreign Office warns visitors to Portugal to be aware of the dangers of swimming in the sea and to pay careful attention to lifeguards’ warning flags.
“Death by drowning occurs each year on Portuguese beaches,” it warns on its website. “The maritime police have the power to fine bathers who disobey the lifeguards’ warning flags.”
