Colin Pringle was taking part in a two-mile swim in Windermere. Photo: Abbasi 1111

The man who died while taking part in the Great North Swim in Windermere has been named.

Colin Pringle, 52, of Wallington, south London, was taking part in the two-mile event in the lake on Friday when he fell ill.

Cumbria Constabulary said he was attended to immediately by accident and emergency medical staff and transferred by Great North Air Ambulance to Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.

“Sadly despite the best efforts of the medical professionals he later died,” a police spokesperson said.

“Colin’s family would like to express their gratitude to the medical teams who tried to save Colin and for the messages of goodwill and sympathy they have received.”

A statement from event organisers Nova International said: “Nova International deeply regrets the tragic loss of life at the Great North Swim and offers its deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of the individual concerned.”