Two young swimmers had to be rescued from a quarry after becoming stuck on a ledge.

The incident happened in Castletown late on Tuesday night.

Emergency services rushed to the scene at around 8.30pm after the alarm was raised.

Once there, rescuers found two boys trapped on a ledge above the quarry pool.

A spokesperson the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service said the boys had been swimming at the quarry but had become stranded on a ledge nestled on a steep rock face just above the water line.

Firefighters managed to safely rescue the stricken pair by using an inflatable sled.

Both were then treated for hypothermia by paramedics but were unharmed by the experience, according to a spokesperson for the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service. Following the incident, firefighters issued a series of warnings and advice to potential swimmers about the hazards of swimming in open water.

The fire service recommends that anyone planning to take part in an open water swimming session anywhere on the island carries out thorough research on the location before going swimming.

It also recommends planning an ‘exit strategy’ from that spot before entering the water.

A spokesperson the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service also issued warnings and advice to those planning to swim in the sea this summer, namely:

* Cold water shock can make swimming difficult and increase the difficulty getting in and out of water

* The depth of the water changes and can be unpredictable with hidden obstacles and obstructions under the water

* If you get in to trouble in the water and feel overwhelmed, ‘float to live’ – tilt your head back, relax and try to breathe normally, move your hands to help stay afloat and spread your arms and legs to improve stability.