A MAN has tragically died at an open water swimming event after suffering a “medical episode” just yards from the shore.
Shepperton Open Water Swim remains closed today following the 61-year-old’s tragic death at Shepperton Lake in Surrey yesterday morning.
Shepperton Open Water SwimThe firm released an emotional statement on Facebook[/caption]
Cops were called to the site on Ferry Lane at around 10.20am on Sunday.
The firm told how staff were “truly devastated” by the tragedy, adding that the decision to close had been made as a mark of respect.
It explained that the man had been swimming in the lake for his induction swim.
He suffered the medical episode after “going limp” in waist-high water.
CPR was administered by on site medical staff, with ambulance crews arriving at the scene just minutes later.
Posting a heartfelt statement on social media, Shepperton Open Water Swim said: “We are not opening as a mark of respect following the tragic events of today.
“The team need time to process the incident which has hit us all hard.
“Thanks to everybody involved today and for all your kind comments.
“Our hearts go out to the gentleman’s family and friends – we are all truly devastated.”
They told how the man had completed a 150 metre test swim before stopping just short of the beach.
The statement added: “A man came for his induction & first swim with us this morning.
“He had just completed his 150m test swim stopping just short of the beach.
“Now in waist deep water it appears that a medical episode caused him to go limp in the shallows.
“Beach safety staff had seen this happening and ran down to pull him out of the water.
“CPR was started immediately & two ambulance teams arrived six minutes later, followed by air ambulance and police.
“Sadly the teams worked hard but could not revive him. We hope to find out what caused this to happen.”
Surrey Police explained that the death was not being treated as suspicious.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Officers were called at around 10.20am on Sunday 29 June to reports of a medical episode at Ferry Lane, Shepperton.
“Colleagues from South East Coast Ambulance were also in attendance, and sadly a 61-year-old man was confirmed to be deceased at the scene.
“His death is not being treated as suspicious.
“His next of kin are aware and our thoughts are with them at this time.”
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