Swimmer dies after losing consciousness in water during Swansea Triathlon as horrified competitors watched on
A SWIMMER has died after losing consciousness in the water during the Swansea Triathlon.
Emergency services and members of the public attempted to help the 61-year-old athlete, who passed out during the first phase of the one-day event in Swansea.
A statement from Activity Events Wales read: "It is with heavy hearts that we confirm the passing of an athlete during the swim section of today’s Triathlon.
"Our most sincere condolences go out to the family.
"We would like to thank the incredible efforts of the swim safety team, St John’s, Ambulance, the rapid response team, the police, volunteers and members of the public involved at the scene."
A spokesman said: "South Wales Police can confirm that a 61-year-old man who was participating in the Swansea Triathlon yesterday (Sunday) died.
"Our thoughts are with the man's family and friends."
Around 1,500 people took part in the gruelling event this morning, which included a 750m swim, a 20km bike ride and a 5km run.
Meanwhile, a paddleboarder died after getting into trouble at a beach in Worthing, West Sussex.
Emergency services battled to save the 70-year-old man after bringing him ashore on Sunday.
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And in Torbay, Devon, two men also died after being pulled from the sea.
The victims, both in their 20s, were rescued from the water in Oddicombe at around 9am on Saturday.
One was declared dead at the scene and the other died after being taken to Torbay District Hospital.
In a further Bank Holiday tragedy, a schoolboy died after he and his friends got into difficulty while swimming in Cumbria's River Eden.
Lewis Michael Kirkpatrick, 15, from Carlisle, was found dead shortly after 1.30pm on Saturday.
Emergency services had received reports he and three other teenage boys had got into trouble in the River Eden on Friday evening.
A 14-year-old who was airlifted to hospital on Friday remains in a critical condition.
One of the group managed to swim to safety and another was rescued by a member of the public, police said.