A RUGBY player who got into difficulties canoeing on Ullswater died from drowning an inquest was told.

Samuel John Yarwood, 22, from Bournemouth, was on a three-day adventure trip with his brother Ben and work colleague Alex Jewers, when his boat capsized on Ullswater.

Mr Yarwood’s father told the inquest at South Lakeland Magistrates Court that the trio travelled to Cumbria on April 4 to do the Three Lakes Challenge.

The hearing was told that on the first day of the trip Ben had to be pulled from the waters of the lake by Mr Jewers after his boat capsized.

This led to the three changing their plans for the next day and instead they went hiking.

Spooked by the earlier incident when his boat capsized, Ben opted not to go canoeing on April 6, and instead waited at the bottom of the Lake for his brother and Mr Jewers to arrive.

However, the inquest heard that after setting off in calm conditions, the weather turned and strong winds capsized the sea-faring canoe.

And despite the duo clinging to the canoe, the wind and waves meant they lost contact with the vessel.

Mr Jewers told the inquest he turned around to look for Mr Yarwood, and when he realised he was missing, swam for the shore to get help.

A short while later, Mr Yarwood’s body was found by the side of the lake.

A pathologist’s report stated that he died from drowning with hypoxia, caused by the water temperature in Ullswater.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, South and East Cumbria deputy coroner Shirley Evans said: “Sam and Alex went onto Ullswater in good weather conditions but when strong winds arrived, they were blown into the middle of the lake and the canoe capsized.

“In difficult conditions they became separated and Alex swam to shore to get help and I have to record a verdict of accidental death.”