An inquest has opened into the death of a holidaymaker who died while swimming in the sea in South Devon.
Simon Lightbody, a 48-year-old from Reigate in Surrey, died at Blackpool Sands on August 24.
The coroner in Exeter has opened an inquest into the tragedy. The short public hearing was told that Mr Lightbody was seen swimming in the sea when he was hit by a large wave.
His family could no longer see him, and emergency services were called. He was recovered from the water but, despite best efforts, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The inquest heard that Mr Lightbody was born in Northern Ireland, was married, and worked as a chartered mechanical engineer.
Area coroner Deborah Archer said the cause of death was drowning. A full inquest hearing will take place at a later date.
It was previously reported that HM Coastguard sent a helicopter, two rescue teams and two RNLI lifeboats to the incident at about 2.40pm.
Inquest Opens Into Drowning of Engineer, 48, in Devon