The Bentota Peninsula is on the Indian Ocean
A holidaymaker died in Sri Lanka after going into the sea while a red warning flag was flying, an inquest heard.
Andrew Critchett, 48, from Rhos-on-Sea, Conwy, drowned in October 2018 after a strong wave took him by surprise and dragged him under.
At an inquest in Ruthin, a conclusion of accidental death was given.
His family criticised staff at the Centara Ceysands Resort and Spa on the Bentota Peninsula for not warning guests of the dangers.
Mr Critchett, who ran the Halfords shop in Llandudno, had waded into the sea with two friends.
"We were all aware of how strong the waves were and were all jumping up and down," said Zane Jenkins in a statement to Sri Lankan police.
At first, Mr Critchett's wife was taking photos of them, but then he got swept off his feet by a strong wave and struggled against a rip tide.
Mr Critchett, a strong swimmer and experienced diver, called "I think I'm in a spot of bother", which is when hotel staff were called and they entered the water to help.
"I felt he didn't want to admit he was struggling," said Mr Jenkins.
"The waves had dramatically got worse and the staff and locals were struggling."
He helped pull ashore their other friend Tommy Robinson and added: "I was so close to getting to him."
Mr Critchett was spotted 15 metres away and despite efforts to revive him, he died.
Members of his family said they were concerned there were no lifeguards on duty, no safety equipment and the hotel did not have a defibrillator.
Recording a conclusion of accidental death, coroner John Gittins said his jurisdiction did not extend to making any recommendations.
But he added: "Travel agents and holiday companies do carry out assessments and inspections and these things can be highlighted."
Watch our pick of standout clips from across the BBC
US tech giant Nvidia to investigate CEO's affair with suspected Chinese spy
What do we know about Nvidia CEO’s affair with a suspected Chinese spy?
Inside the French drug gangs recruiting children to kill
James Bond: What we know so far about the next 007 film
Society needs to act to help white working-class pupils, inquiry says
'I treat all these people like they are victims', says doctor who treated Krakow shooting suspect. Video 'I treat all these people like they are victims', says doctor who treated Krakow shooting suspect
What's your love language - and does it actually mean anything?
The Papers: 'There are more like Brand' and 'Steep cuts to EV targets'
Doing these things now will help you save money at Christmas
My parents chose to die together and I was left to grieve alone
Ambika Mod says the 'glass ceiling is always getting higher' for South Asian actors
US Politics Unspun: Cut through the noise with Anthony Zurcher's newsletter
Let the mind games begin in The Traitors Ireland
Stacey Dooley explores the unexpected death of 19-year-old soldier Jaysley Beck
A toast to the formation of the Campaign for Real Ale in 1971
Robson Green plays an ex-con who finds himself solving crimes
Cruise ship pianist rescued from sea after nine hours in Pacific Ocean
Trump says he was 'kidding' about Dana White press secretary offer
Krakow shooting suspect has died in hospital, police say
'There are more like Brand' and 'Steep cuts to EV targets'
Woman says Al Fayed's brother drugged and sexually abused her at Highland estate
Government's EV targets expected to be reduced this week
Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.
Loading comments…