WINDERMERE School said it was 'thankful' for the support of the emergency services after a boat capsized during a planned after-school activity. 

A Coastguard helicopter attended the incident on Thursday evening along with fire crews, ambulance crews and mountain and inshore rescue teams. A member of the public called the emergency services after spotting the capsized boat from the shore. 

A Windermere School spokesperson said conditions 'were not outside the normal conditions students sail in' and operated within safety guidelines. 

They said three children and an instructor were on the hull of their upturned boat after a capsize. The children were picked up by the school's supervising senior instructor and returned to shore. 

The instructor, a Sixth Form student, is a qualified dinghy instructor and is taking part in the school's NCFE course in Sport and Physical Activity. 

"He followed all his training, remaining safe and calm at all times," the spokesperson said. "The emergency services, being already on site, assisted with his return to the school's sailing centre." 

The spokesperson thanked the services and encouraged members of the public to ring for help if they see any activity on the lake that brings them concern.