Paddleboarders rescued from Derwentwater

A man and a woman were taken to hospital as a precaution

Two paddleboarders who were not wearing life jackets had to be rescued from a lake after they were swept off in high winds, emergency services said.

A man and woman in their 30s were saved from Derwentwater in the Lake District on Saturday after they and members of the public called for help.

Although uninjured, they were taken to hospital as a precaution.

Cumbria Police said people should be properly prepared when venturing out on to the water.

"Scarily, the two individuals were without life vests and suitable, warm clothing," a spokesman for Allerdale police team said, adding: "You should always take precautions, going without can cost you your life and that of your rescuers."

The incident happened at Derwentwater

The pair were brought to dry land within 30 minutes of the first call.

Staff from Nichol End Marina and the Derwentwater Launch also assisted emergency services.

Andrew Lowes, who is responsible for prevention at Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, said the most disappointing thing was seeing people out on the water without life vests.

"The life preserver is going to save your life literally," he said, adding: "If you fall in the water there is a good chance you could knock yourself out or experience cold water shock.

"What the life preserver is going to allow you to do is to stay on top of the water and be able to breathe the air and calm down, float to live, and get yourself calm and get yourself back on - in this instance - the paddleboard, and hopefully back to safety."

He added people should think about how they safely get out of the water and always bear in mind the weather can change very quickly in the Lake District.

More information on water safety is available on the fire service's website.