Boy injured while swimming at Dartmoor airlifted to hospital

Emergency services responded to the incident at Spitchwick

Author: Oliver MorganPublished 13th Jul 2026

A 12-year-old boy was airlifted to hospital after being injured while swimming at Spitchwick in Dartmoor National Park.

On Saturday, 11th July, the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team from Ashburton responded to reports of an injured child following a diving incident at the popular swimming spot.

Rescue team members assisted in evacuating the boy by stretcher to a Devon Air Ambulance Trust helicopter.

With many people enjoying the warm weather at this busy swimming and picnic site, emergency vehicles temporarily blocked access to the lane, and team members worked to manage the traffic until the air ambulance departed.

The Dartmoor Search and Rescue team is operated by volunteers and relies on public donations for funding.

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