Brit man, 43, dies while trying to swim to floating platform in middle of lake in Switzerland

A BRITISH man has died while trying to swim to a floating platform in the middle of a lake in Switzerland.

The tragic accident happened as the 43-year-old man was swimming in lake Schwendisee in St. Gallen Canton, north-eastern Switzerland.

First responders desperately tried to save the man but, despite their best efforts, the team were unable to revive him.

The St. Gallen Cantonal Police said in a statement: "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 cause 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.