A SUPER-FIT dad died from a heart attack while rowing two of his children in a boat in a seaside bay.

Rugby trainer Keith Marshall, 46, collapsed and died in front of teenagers Joe and Annie, who made frantic attempts to revive him.

Tragedy struck while the family was taking a long rowing boat out on Scarborough’s South Bay on Bank Holiday Monday evening.

The company director, who had a property in Holme-on-Spalding Moor in east Yorkshire and lived with his partner in Rochdale, was at the oars when he began experiencing chest pains.

Joe Marshall became a rising under-17 rugby star last year and works at Scarborough RUFC where his father was club official.

Mr Marshall was a director of several companies and also a leading light of Scarborough Amateur Rowing Club.

A Scarborough RUFC spokesman wrote on facebook: “It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that the club report the death of club official and friend Keith Marshall.

“Keith died suddenly after suffering a heart attack whilst rowing in Scarborough’s South Bay.

“He had been a huge part of club life for many years, firstly as a highly successful junior coach and lately as the club's Transition Officer.

“He was an inspiration to dozens of young players for years and his loss will be felt by all connected with both the rugby club and rowing club.

“Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with Keith’s family and especially his two children, who must be experiencing unbearable pain at this devastating time.”

A family friend said: “Keith was fit as a fiddle but had a very stressful work life as a businessman and we think he had a cholesterol problem.

“The worst thing is his two kids were in the boat at the time. They tried to help but there was nothing they could do to save him.”

Scarborough Coroner’s Office said they were aware of the death but it was too early to say if an inquest would be held.

A RNLI spokesman said: “Scarborough RNLI was called out when a man on a rowing boat suffered a suspected heart attack.

“The inshore lifeboat was on scene at 7.47pm but wasn’t needed as the rowing boat had returned the casualty to shore, where an ambulance was waiting.”

Scarborough Amateur Rowing Club said it was delaying the launch of its new boat “in the light of the tragic events”.

His partner Vicky Law said he had been with the two eldest of his three children when the tragedy happened.

She said: "I'm devastated. Our world has collapsed."