LATEST figures from Windermere's lake patrol team show a 26 per cent increase in the number of incidents last year.

Although there were no fatalities, between October 2003 and September 2004, patrollers dealt with 323 call-outs, ranging from a couple who "jumped ship" and needed to be rescued to a James Bond-style amphibious car which nearly sank.

The team - made up of police, the Lake District National Park Authority and South Lakeland District Council, operating five boats - stated in its annual report that 134 mishaps involved sailing craft, 62 sports boats, 49 motor cruisers and 17 jet skis.