Tourist drowned in front of sons while onlookers couldn't understand pleas for help

Video report from ITV News Anglia's Natalie Gray

An inquest has heard how a Polish tourist drowned in front of his three sons when they got caught in a riptide at a busy Norfolk beach.

Leszek Puchala was swimming with his sons when they all got into difficulty at Sea Palling Beach on 23 July.

Mr Puchala was pulled unconscious from the waves but could not be revived.

His son was also in a bad way, and had to be airlifted to hospital after an off-duty doctor and firefighter managed to get him breathing again.

Neil Ramsey, an experienced kite surfer, was one of several people on the beach who weren't aware the family were in trouble because their shouts for helps were in Polish.

He has been given a bravery award for his part in trying to rescue Mr Puchala, even though it was in vain.

14-year-old David Castleman, from Loughton in Essex, was also praised by the coroner for his heroism.

It's thought his actions saved the life of Mr Puchala's son, when he found him lying face down in the water and brought him back to the shore.

Norfolk area coroner Yvonne Blake recorded a narrative verdict.

Mr Puchala lived in Poland, but was visiting England to see his newborn granddaughter for the first time.

Around 200 people attended his funeral.