A 19-year-old man has died after getting into difficulty in the water at Grasmere in the Lake District, despite desperate efforts by members of the public to save him.
The incident occurred yesterday afternoon (August 8). Emergency services were called to the lake at around 4.35pm following reports that a young man was in trouble in the water. An air ambulance was among the responders.
The teenager was rushed to hospital but was later pronounced dead. His family have been informed.
Police thank public and appeal for witnesses
Cumbria Police have thanked members of the public who came to the teenager's aid, including those who helped bring him to shore. The force has said the death is not being treated as suspicious but is appealing for witnesses to help establish the full circumstances.
In a statement issued this morning (August 9), the force said: "Appeal for witnesses following incident in Grasmere on Saturday. Emergency services were called at around 4.35pm yesterday (8 Aug) to Grasmere lake following reports that a young man had gotten into difficulty in the water."
"Emergency services including an air ambulance attended and a 19-year-old man was taken to hospital but has subsequently died. The teenager's family have been made aware."
"Whilst the death is not being treated as suspicious, police would encourage anyone who witnessed what occurred to come forward to assist in establishing the circumstances. Police would also like to thank those who came to the teenager’s aid, including those who helped get him to shore."
Anyone with information can report online at the provided link quoting incident number 201 of 8 August 2026, or phone 101.
