Three police lifeguards attached to the Sri Lanka Police Lifeguard Unit carried out a rescue operation at Kirinda beach on Monday (25), saving several teachers and students who were swept away by strong waves while bathing in the sea.

The group, from a school in the Badalkumbura area, had travelled to Kirinda to participate in a co-curricular programme when the incident occurred.

According to police, a 56-year-old teacher was first dragged into the sea by strong waves. Several students who attempted to rescue the teacher were also caught in the currents along with a young woman bathing nearby.

The three lifeguard officers, who were on duty at the beach at the time, immediately responded and launched a rescue mission under difficult sea conditions.

After what police described as a strenuous operation, the officers succeeded in bringing all those caught in the waves safely back to shore.

The rescue team comprised Police Sergeant Kithsiri, Police Constable Viduranga and Police Constable Madusanka.

Despite the rescue efforts, the 56-year-old teacher later died while receiving treatment at Kirinda Hospital. An 18-year-old girl, who sustained critical injuries was admitted to hospital for further treatment.