The men got into difficulties while swimming at Llanberis Waterfall. Photo: Gareth James CC-BY-SA-2.0

Two men have died after getting into difficulties while swimming in a Snowdonia river.

Two others were taken to hospital after the incident at the Llanberis Waterfall today.

Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team chairman Rob Johnson said three of its members had been exceptionally brave and risked their own lives in rescuing one of the swimmers from the river.

North Wales Police alerted the team at 8.35am to the incident a few hundred metres upstream from Llanberis on the Afon Arddu.

Mr Johnson said: “The caller reported two persons drowning in the waterfall.

“Within five minutes of the telephone call three of our voluntary team members had reached the location and were able to rescue one person from the water. In doing so these three team members showed exceptional bravery and skill and put their own lives on the line.”

North Wales Police said a 33-year-old man died and the body of a man, aged 21, was found after a search.

Superintendent Alex Goss said: “The incident took place at a waterfall near the Snowdon Mountain Railway and involved four men who had been swimming in the area and had got into difficulty.

“Two other men aged 27 and 25 have received treatment at hospital and have since been released.”

A major operation was launched after police were alerted, which involved North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the Welsh Ambulance Service and the crew of an RAF Sea King helicopter from 22 Squadron at Valley. Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation members also attended along with a team of divers from North Wales Police water rescue unit.

Mr Johnson said: “The team’s thoughts are now with the families and friends of the two deceased and our thanks go to every agency that assisted in the rescue operation.”