AN 81-year-old German woman has died after being pulled from the water at a popular Costa Dorada beach.

The incident occurred at Llevant beach in Salou, a bustling resort town in the Catalan province of Tarragona, on Sunday afternoon.

Emergency services received an alert at 6.20pm after lifeguards pulled the victim from the sea and began resuscitation efforts.

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Three units from the medical emergency system (SEM) rushed to the scene but were unable to save her life.

At the time of the incident, the beach was fully guarded and a green flag was flying to indicate safe swimming conditions.

The Guardia Civil has taken charge of the proceedings and confirmed this morning that the woman’s family has been informed.

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Her death brings the total number of people who have died on Catalan beaches to 23 since the official summer swimming season began on June 15.

Catalonia’s Civil Protection agency has urged beachgoers to take extreme precautions and avoid swimming if they feel unwell or tired.

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