A SWIMMER has died after getting into difficult in the water at Studland.

Coastguard, lifeboat, police and ambulance crews were called to the area on Friday morning following reports that two male swimmers were in difficulty.

When Swanage Coastguard arrived at the scene one of them had managed to make it ashore and the second was recovered from the water by the team.

The Coastguard helicopter from Lee-on-Solent and the Dorset and Somerset air ambulance were requested.

Both casualties received urgent medical treatment on the beach.

A spokesperson for Swanage Coastguard said one male died at the scene. The second male was taken to hospital for treatment.

The Swanage Coastguard spokesperson said: "The Coastguard team were tasked to a report of two swimmers in difficulty at Studland yesterday morning (Friday).

"On arrival the team recovered a male from the water and found the other person had managed to make it ashore.

"Joined by the crew of the RNLI lifeboat from Poole, Rescue 175 from Lee on Solent, a Critical care team, Dorset and Somerset air ambulance, South Western Ambulance and Dorset Police both casualties were given urgent medical treatment on the beach.

"Sadly despite the efforts of all those attending one male sadly passed away. The second male was transferred by ambulance to hospital.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends."