River claims man's life

Police have warned the public not to swim in rivers and lochs

A 35-year-old man has drowned and another is recovering in hospital after getting into difficulties while swimming in a river.

The men were swimming at South Calder, Lanarkshire, at about 1400BST on Friday when they got into trouble.

It is thought the men may have been drinking before they jumped into the river.

The 10-year-old son of the man who survived is said to have raised the alarm.

Police named the dead man as George McNulty of Maryknowe Road, Carfin.

His 37-year-old friend was taken by ambulance to Wishaw General Hospital where he is under observation.

Many lochs and rivers have strong currents and weak or non-swimmers could find themselves in great danger police spokesman

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokeswoman described it as an unfortunate accident.

She said: "When we arrived at the scene one man was in distress and vomiting. He was taken to hospital.

Another man was pulled from the river, but he was dead."

Strong currents

A Strathclyde Police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances and that a report would be submitted to the procurator fiscal.

He also warned people not to be tempted to take to the waters as the heatwave continued.

He added: "We advise people, particularly during the warmer weather, not to play or swim in or around open water where there are no lifeguards present.

"Many lochs and rivers have strong currents and weak or non-swimmers could find themselves in great danger."