A coroner is warning people to keep out of the water north of Timaru.. after the case of a man who drowned rescuing his son

Richard Walsh died after he was dragged into the sea at Seadown beach, near Beach Road in January.

Walsh and his family were at a beach when his son playing at the edge of the sea, was hit by a freak wave.

He ran into the water and threw his son towards the shore but himself continued to get hit by large waves and was carried out to sea.

Coroner Sue Johnson recommends Timaru District Council put up signs advising people to stay out of the water due to the strong currents to ensure no other lives are lost there.