Swimmer dies after being pulled from the water

A brick bridge, with two arches, spans the river, with people on one platform next to an arch and swimmers in the water.Image source, Andrew Turner/BBC
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The man reportedly got into difficulty near Horstead Mill

  • Published

A swimmer in his 20s who got into difficulty on the Broads in Norfolk has died after being taken to hospital.

Emergency services were called to the River Bure at Horstead following reports of a man in trouble in the water at about 18:30 BST on Tuesday.

Norfolk Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious.

In a statement, the Broads Authority said it extended its "deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life while swimming at Horstead Mill".

A side view of the brick bridge, with a footpath over the top. Swimmers were in the water, with people sitting on the bank. Trees are in the distance.Image source, Andrew Turner/BBC
Image caption,

Swimmers had returned to the beauty spot on the River Bure on Wednesday

HM Coastguard said rescue teams from Winterton and Bacton attended the scene in Mill Road, alongside Hemsby Inshore Rescue Service.

The fire, ambulance and air ambulance services also attended.

The Broads Authority said: "Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic event.

"While the exact circumstances have not yet been reported, this incident serves as a sad reminder of how dangerous our waterways can be.

"We're issuing a reminder to understand the serious risks posed by intentionally entering the [water], and to be aware of the potential consequences should something go wrong."

It urged anyone in difficulty in the water to remember the "float to live" strategy.

It involves staying calm, lying on your back with your ears in the water, spreading your arms and legs, and focusing on steady breathing.

People continued to visit the beauty spot on Wednesday, keen to enjoy the cooler temperatures of the water.

Lisa Douglass, 44, from Aylsham, said she had been swimming at Horstead Mill for 30 years and had brought her two children, who were wearing life jackets, with her.

"Safety is always paramount when you've got children," she said.

"Take all the precautions you need to - make sure you've got life jackets on and make sure you know your limitations."

She added: "There's no way it could be guarded the whole time – this is a beautiful area and people come down here all the time to swim."

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