Councillor John Whittle, from East Riding of Yorkshire Council, echoed the sentiments.
He said: “I think the feeling in Hornsea is one of shock, sadness and one of sympathy for the ones the boy has left behind.
“This, unfortunately, is almost becoming a regular tragedy up and down the coast,” he said. “If there is a message from this, if you are going in the sea be careful.
“The sea looks absolutely beautiful… but that sea is a menace because it can take lives,” he added.
Earlier, Ch Supt Phil Booker, from Humberside Police, said: “This is an incredibly heartbreaking outcome, and our thoughts are with the boy’s family and friends at this devastating time.”
Booker said: “We know the sadness and concern this will cause in the community, and we would ask that the family’s privacy is respected during this incredibly difficult time.
“I would like to thank all of the emergency services involved in the search, along with members of the public for their support and cooperation.”
Humberside Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious, and a file would be passed to the coroner.
Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North.