The organisers said a record 2,600 swimmers braved to the water, for a half-mile, one-mile or two-mile, and 5km challenges on Saturday.

Among those taking part was Commonwealth Games gold medalist Ross Murdoch, who grew up in Balloch and learnt to swim in Vale of Leven pool, who was taking on his first ever open water swim.

German swimmer Christian Reichert took the top spot in the men’s challenge while the women’s one-mile swim went to US native Christine Jennings.

Event director Alex Jackson said the third annual event had been a great success.

He said: “It has been an incredible day from start to finish, from the masses of people taking part to the exciting elite race and true talent to grace the shores today.

“There’s nothing quite like seeing thousands of people take to the water in such a striking location as Loch Lomond, and I’m sure it’s an experience that everyone participating in will never forget. We are extremely grateful for all the support from everyone involved to make this event such a huge success.” Gordon Watson, chief executive of the national park, said: “It’s great to see the continued growth in open water swimming in the National Park as we head towards hosting the open water competition at the European Swimming Championships in 2018.”