Swimmer dies after rescue from South Devon sea

A man has died at Derriford Hospital after getting into difficulty swimming in the water off Beesands Beach, near Kingsbridge in South Devon.

A police spokesperson said that they attended the scene at approximately 12.30pm on Saturday 15 June 2013, after receiving a report  that a male swimmer had been brought ashore unconscious.

HM Coastguard and South West Ambulance also attended the incident.

Devon and Cornwall Police say: "The male was brought ashore by a canoeist who went to the swimmer’s aid after seeing him lying in the water.

"Members of the public called the emergency services and attempted to administer CPR. The male was air lifted to Derriford Accident and Emergency where, after further attempts to revive him, he was pronounced deceased."

Police are not treating the incident as suspicious but will be investigating on behalf of Her Majesty’s Coroner.

The man, in his early forties, lived in the South Hams area and was known to be a strong sea swimmer. He was swimming with a friend when he experienced difficulties, the cause of which is presently unknown. The other swimmer was unharmed.

Police who will not be releasing any further details until formal identification has been made, have confirmed that the man's next of kin have been informed.