Despite a rescue attempt, a man died after being swept out to sea at Blackpool (Alamy)
The victim was standing on steps near the resort's Cocker Square, close to the water's edge, when he was swept away in front of shocked onlookers.
Officials said a huge rescue mission was launched with coastguard officers from Blackpool and Lytham St Annes joined by a helicopter from RAF Valley and Blackpool RNLI inshore lifeboats.
The man, aged 44, was eventually recovered from the water and taken ashore to a waiting ambulance.
However, he was confirmed dead at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
Su Daintith, Watch Manager at Liverpool Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, said: 'The man, we believe, was about to enter the water at the bottom of the seawall steps when he was swept off without any warning by a large wave which was a result of the overnight weather conditions.
'Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this tragic time'
Blackpool's promenade, showing the treacherous sea conditions and the steps in the Cocker Square area. 

A man has died after he was hit by a large wave and swept out to sea in , England. The 44-year-old victim was reportedly stood on the steps near to  when he was hit by the wave. Witnesses looked on as the man was swept out to sea.

Watch manager Su Daintith released a statement confirming the death of the individual. "The man we believe was about to enter the water at the bottom of the sea wall steps when he was swept off without any warning by a large wave which was a result of the overnight weather conditions," they said. "Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this tragic time."

 lifeboats,  officers and the  received reports of a man in the sea around lunchtime. A lifeboat crew managed to retrieve him from the water, and he was transported by ambulance to , where he was pronounced dead.