Derwentwater was the scene of another near drowning – the fourth since the summer holidays begun.
An 18-year-old male was reported to have got into difficulties while swimming from Otterbield Bay on the western shore just before 5pm last Wednesday.
Keswick Mountain Rescue team said he decided to return to shore but when he reached dry land he was then having difficulty moving.
By chance, a team returning from an earlier incident in the Langstrath Valley, were directed to the scene with a rescue boat also deployed from Derwentwater Marina.
Keswick MRT found the teenager in “good spirits” and alert with no breathing difficulties.
“Initially he was cold but soon warmed up. The team was able to stand down an ambulance and the casualty made his own way to his campsite,” rescuers said after what was the team’s 60th rescue this year.
Six weeks ago Allerdale Borough Council announced Keswick’s only public swimming pool would close due to spiralling costs.
Keswick councillor Markus Campbell-Savours, who represents the town on the borough council, said: “As a parent of two young children I am acutely aware of the risk of drowning in our lakes and rivers. It is vitally important that our young people are able to swim.
“Sadly Allerdale’s decision to close the pool in Keswick carries a risk that many young people will not develop these key skills and lack confidence in the water.
“Let’s all hope these incidents can demonstrate the importance of swimming for Keswick and that Allerdale not only has a responsibility to rebuild a pool for Keswick, but also help schools and families access alternative provision in the interim.”
Swimming groups warn that temperatures in lakes, tarns and rivers across the national park can vary with the larger lakes ranging to between 16-18°C or 60-64F during May and September.
Wetsuits, which can be hired, are also recommended for adding buoyancy and warmth.
