A Pennsylvania man whose body was discovered in the waters at a West End beach yesterday was a visitor and guest at a nearby resort.

Larry Lamb, the general manager of Pompano Beach Club, confirmed that the man was a guest at the resort and seemed happy and healthy at the time.

He added that the man had gone for a stroll along the Southampton beach while his wife slept in their room before a group of kayakers found his body about half an hour later.

Mr Lamb said: “It’s a sad moment for sure, for us and everyone else.”

He added: “When you’re in this business for long enough, it’s like losing a family member.”

Police responded to the incident at about 3.15pm.

Emergency medical services staff began life-saving measures before taking him to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead soon afterwards.

Police opened an investigation into the incident and have not yet determined a cause of death.

Mr Lamb said it was believed the man may have suffered a medical condition before he was found.

He said there was no undertow or current along the beach at the time.

Mr Lamb added: “He was smiling and talking to people, just enjoying his day.

“He wasn’t swimming, he wasn’t snorkelling, he was just enjoying the day.

“It’s a tragedy, as you can imagine.”

Police declined to provide any further information with an investigation in progress.