A FAMILY day out turned to tragedy as a young man died in Ullswater.

An 18-year-old was also rescued from the lake’s waters as desperate attempts were made to save the pair in trouble.

Police have confirmed that a man aged in his 20s died after going missing in the water.

Officers were working with his family last night.

Details of his identity have not yet been disclosed, but it is thought that he was from London. The man rescued has been released from medical care.

His body was recovered from the water by specialist divers.

Meanwhile, details have emerged of the efforts members of the public went to in order to support emergency service rescue efforts at the beautyspot on Thursday evening.

The tragedy happened close to the Outward Bound centre at Howtown, an area which has a secluded beach and a small area used to put canoes or kayaks into the water.

The two men and family members are believed to have been picnicking before they entered the water. They were swimming close to the grey pontoon when tragedy struck, those who were in the area say.

Emergency services were called just before 5pm and were unable to find the second man until 10.45pm.

Sarah Price, 37, of Preston, was in the area and said: “I could see loads of people round all night. I didn’t know what was happening at first.

“It’s so frightening, just knowing we had been in the water earlier and in the same place.”

Watch Manager Owen McCarney, of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, was the incident commander.

He said: “We were called just before 5pm to a report of a person in distress in the water at Ullswater.

“Two crews from Penrith, and appliances from Carlisle west, Kendal and Shap stations all attended. The Coastguard, Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team, air ambulance, ambulance service and specialist police divers also helped.

“We had help from Ullswater Yacht Club, who sent a boat to transport firefighters. We searched the surrounding area looking for the young man and stopped the steamer coming to Howtown while we searched.

“We used our swift water rescue equipment and an Aquascope to try and locate the missing man.”

Describing the scene, he added: “Visually the area isn’t very big but the lake is over 200ft deep and the shelf drops off pretty quickly.

“It was essential that we got searching as quickly as possible which is why we had to make sure we have the correct resources in the right place at the right time.

“Many thanks to those who turned up to help, especially to the non-emergency services.

“Everyone did the best they could but the outcome wasn’t what we wanted.”

People in the area spoke of their shock yesterday.

A passer-by said: “The divers and firefighters were at the grey platoon. There were so many emergency service vehicles there.

“I really feel for the family. You can’t imagine what it must feel like, just going to the lake for a day out and this happens.”

Mr McCarney offered advice to anyone thinking about heading into the water: “We have 16 lakes in the area and the water can feel warm, especially with the weather we have had.

“This can lull people into a false sense of security. People have to realise it is a standing body of water; the drop off in temperature is rapid. This can induce cold water shock, a major cause of getting into distress.

Mr Owen added: “If you find yourself in difficulty in water, stay calm.

“Try to float on your back, cold water will make you gasp - control your breathing, shout for help or make your way back to the shore.

“If you see someone in trouble in the water - call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

“Everyone at Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service sends their condolences to the family of the young man who has lost his life.”