Lake rescue drama

TWO men were rescued from Hollingworth Lake on Saturday afternoon after swimming 260ft from the shore.

Fire crews from Rochdale and a specialist water incident unit were sent to the lake at 6.15pm after the pair got into difficulties.

Station manager Andy Braken said: “It was a straight-forward job for the firefighters at the scene, but both men could have easily been killed like so many others who decide to swim in reservoirs and lakes in hot weather.”

Both men were treated by paramedics but declined hospital treatment.

Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor David Acton, said: “These men were incredibly lucky to escape with their lives.

“Open water is freezing cold even in hot weather and there could be debris to trap you or strong currents to drag you under.”