We also love the sea, but having stayed at the Rex in June this year we only paddled in the sea with our 7 year old as we didn't feel comfortable. There were a few strong adults swimming, but we found the water a bit intimidating. We normally hate the swimming pool environment, but after 2 weeks sitting by it, our child learnt to swim superbly and we really enjoyed ourselves.

Although did not stay at Rex, I spent an afternoon at the same beach, but closer down towards the Aquarium restaurant. During our time there in July 2006 the water was a bit wavy but not at all what I would consider dangerous. The water gets deep fairly quickly from the shoreline, however.