The warning on the beach where the couple drowned

Michael Murray, from the Royal Life Savers Society, said people can prevent such tragedies by knowing basic safety advice before they go abroad.

Information leaflets can be picked up at most swimming pools and more detailed pointers can be found on the internet, Mr Murray added.

He was speaking following the drowning of Peter and Alison Rainey, from Dollar, Clackmannanshire.

They were killed after an inflatable dinghy capsized in rough seas off Paphos.

Their nine-year-old son Callum was rescued from the boat, while his six-year-old sister Catriona watched the incident from the beach.

Mr Murray said: "We've found that most people only go on holiday once or twice a year and therefore only go into the sea once or twice a year.

"They want to enjoy their holiday and we want them to enjoy their holiday as well.

"But they must know basic advice before swimming or sailing in the sea."

The society, which was founded in 1891 and has more than 2,000 active lifesavers in the UK, recommends that:

• holidaymakers should try to use only beaches which have lifeguards - red and yellow flags will indicate this

• they should ask their tour operator, or someone similar, about the beach they intend using

• they should find out what the underlying currents are, whether there are big rocks on the sea bed and whether there are strong offshore winds

• where necessary, they should wear appropriate safety equipment like a lifejacket

• they should not go too far alone

• and they should not rush into the water if they see someone in trouble

• contact the local coastguard, or local police.

Mr Murray said quiet beaches may appear idyllic, but they can be hazardous.

The trio had been on board a dinghy

"If you spot an empty beach you should really ask yourself why it is empty, why aren't the locals using it. The answer could be that there are hazards in the water," he said.

Mr Murray added that people should resist the temptation to jump into the sea and attempt a rescue.

"We see programmes like Baywatch, but they are based on lifesavers who are skilled and trained. It is important to know what your limitations are, but think about what you can do.

"Something you can certainly do is contact the local coastguard and the local police - basically people who are more used to rescuing people from the sea.

"Even short distances from shore, more than five or 10 metres, could be potentially lethal.