A British man died while trying to swim towards a platform in the middle of a Swiss lake.

The tragedy took place on the small lake of Schwendisee in St. Gallen Canton, north-eastern Switzerland, on the afternoon of 26th August.

First responders started resuscitating the man on the wooden platform and an emergency medic was also lowered onto it from an air ambulance and joined in the efforts.

However, they were unable to revive the 43-year-old, who tragically passed away.

The St. Gallen Cantonal Police said in a statement obtained by Newsflash: “On Friday (26/08/2022), shortly before 5.15pm, the St. Gallen cantonal emergency call centre received a report of a swimming accident at Vorderer Schwendisee. Despite the quick arrival of rescue workers, a 43-year-old Briton died on the spot.

“Third parties reported a swimming accident to the cantonal emergency call centre. A male had problems swimming towards the float and was then resuscitated by first aiders on the raft. The emergency doctor from the AP3 air rescue team was dropped directly onto the float and continued the resuscitation. Unfortunately, this had to be cancelled and the 43-year-old Briton died on the spot.

“In addition to several patrols by the St.Gallen canton police, the AP3 air rescue service, the local fire brigade, a rescue specialist and a care team were also deployed. The exact course of the accident is being clarified under the direction of the public prosecutor’s office of the Canton of St. Gallen.”

The victim’s name was not released.