A major search was launched for a Lake District swimmer who became disorientated while wild swimming in Ullswater.
The swimmer was due back from the area of Glencoyne Bay, but had not returned.
Emergency services, including Whitehaven, Burgh-by-Sands, Maryport and Arnside & South Lakes Coastguard rescue teams, police, the fire service, Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team and the ambulance service, were called out.
A major shore and water search was undertaken, with help from Ullswater ‘Steamers’ staff, and the Outward Bound Trust.
Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Team said dense mist made the search challenging.
A Coastguard helicopter was also requested to help with the search.
While emergency services were searching, a paddleboarder had heard shouts for help and found the swimmer on one of the lake’s small islands.
The swimmer had become disorientated due to the mist and taken refuge there for safety. They were brought ashore and taken into the care of the North West Ambulance Service.
A Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Team spokesman said: “This is a great example demonstrating the importance of leaving details of a planned route and return time with friends or family before taking to the water, as well as those loved ones swiftly raising the alarm to the emergency services if they have failed to return at their planned time.
“Furthermore this is also a fantastic demonstration of how effective multi-agency working across all of the emergency services, to mobilise and co-ordinate a variety of appropriate assets, gives the best possible chance of a positive outcome.”
