Southend beaches draw huge crowds with visitors enjoying heatwave

Packed - Daytrippers and families on Southend beach

Huge numbers of visitors have flocked to the seafront to enjoy the hot weather and enjoy all Southend has to offer.

Weather - Sunseekers in Southend

The beaches are very busy with thousands of visitors and sunseekers who say they trying to keep cool with cold drinks, ice creams and dips in the sea.

Splash - Youngsters cool off in the sea in Southend

It comes as a health boss has warned the forecast for high temperatures could result in people dying while Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said people should be resilient enough to "enjoy the sunshine".

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​College of Paramedics chief executive Tracy Nicholls said the "ferocious heat" the UK is predicted to experience over the next few days could have a detrimental effect on Britons.

Busy - Southend beach today was packed

Businesses are rushed off their feet with good trade and plenty of customers and hotels have even been forced to sent away dozens of customers due to high demand.

Chilling - A visitor in the Southend sea

Becky Sumner, 31, from Southend said: “We’ve had such a great time here in Southend and we just love it. There’s such a great atmosphere and we are enjoying all Southend has to offer with the rides and attractions.

Day trip - Visitors on Southend beach cooling off in the sea

“We are keeping cool by finding shade on and off at times and we keep taking dips in the sea too, it’s so refreshing. I am not too concerned about the extreme heat which is forecast.

Seaside - Southend has been busy this weekend

“I may work at home and I think other people will be doing the same too but also plan to make the most of it and get in the garden when I can. I will be being safe and take care too.”

Richard Shankland, 58, from Leigh was also down on the seafront today and said his family had a really nice day.

Selfie - A family take a picture while cooling off in the Southend sea

He said: “There’s nothing better than Southend seafront in the sunshine. It is busy but not too packed which is nice.

Tides - Visitors making the most of the Southend beach

“We are enjoying lots of ice creams, the kids can’t get enough, and lots of cold drinks too to help us cool down in this lovely weather. I do think people need to be careful in the heat next week, especially if it’s as hot as they predict.

Fun - Youngsters enjoying the cool Southend sea

“We may pop down here again if we can and try to make the most of it but ensure we are taking care and not sitting out in extreme heat for too long. We’ve been padding in the sea and really enjoying relaxing by the seaside it’s been wonderful.”