VISITORS to the seaside this summer have been urged to take care after new figures reveal a rise in the number of people losing their life the startling in the region's seas.

Coastal fatality figures released today by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) show 31 people died around the North of England's coasts last year - compared to an average of 24 over the last five years.

Launching its annual national drowning prevention campaign, Respect the Water, the charity points out that of those who died last year, 19 people had no set out to enter the water.

Of the 121 people who died over the past five years, over half were taking part in activities like walking, running, climbing and boating and were, therefore, unlikely to have intended to enter the water.

Slips and falls while walking and running contributed to the most coastal deaths in the region, accounting for 38.

Swimming, jumping in and general leisure use accounted for 18 of coastal fatalities over the five years; commercial activity 11 and angling nine.

Michael Avril, RNLI spokesman for the North, said: "Most people heading for a stroll or run along the coastline probably wouldn’t consider a drowning prevention campaign like this relevant to them as they have no plans at all to enter the water.

"We’re warning people that if they’re going near the water, whatever their activity, they could be at risk and they need to take care. Unexpected dangers like slippery rocks, sudden waves or unstable ground can catch anyone out."

In the North-East, six people died on the Hartlepool and County Durham coast in the last five years, six in Redcar and Cleveland, nine in North Yorkshire and 13 in Northumberland.

On Sunday, two Polish men were rescued by the RNLI after being cut off by the tide during an evening walk between Saltburn and Skinningrove.

The charity is releasing two hard-hitting campaign films, which will be shown in cinemas across the UK and Ireland.

The charity is also running a number of tailored safety programmes, targeted at those who participate in the activities which account for a large number of coastal incidents each year.