Police say the injured man died at the scene despite the best efforts of emergency services.
Beaches in the area have seen a range of issues including when E-coli was found in one bay this year.
A council's Tory group leader says by-elections should be held after two members quit his party.
A Southend councillor says sewage discharges are "one of the biggest scandals of our generation".
Visitors to a sunken Mulberry Harbour cause "avoidable call-outs" every summer, says the coastguard.
Pre-school boss Emma Martin says families are "devastated" about any possibility of it closing.
Volunteers faced their "most challenging shout in 15 years" as they rescued a rower from gales.
Residents say they are feeling disappointed after the loss of the Blue Flag status at Thorpe Bay.
Ron Woodley says the holes in the promenade wall leave it in a "precarious position of collapse".
