In total nine people have died in swimming incidents in the Netherlands this summer, two in the sea and two while swimming in rivers and lakes, the Telegraaf reported on Tuesday.

The figures come from the national lifeguard organisation Reddingsbrigade Nederland. On average eight people die swimming in open water every year.

Lifeguards have also rescued 76 people who got into difficulties. Last week was particularly difficult because of strong currents on the North Sea coast and 34 people were rescued from ‘life-threatening situations’, the organisation said in a statement.

Last year, 129 people had been pulled out of the sea or rivers by the end of July. The lower total in 2017 is due to the poor weather which means fewer people are heading to the beach.