The Health and Safety Executive has confirmed it is looking into the death of triathlete Paul Gallihawk at Leybourne Lakes at the weekend.

Mr Gallihawk was one of more than 100 swimmers who entered the water for the swimming section of the race organised by the Ocean Lakes Triathlon club on Saturday.

Mr Gallihawk did not emerge from the water and his body was recovered from the lake on Monday after an extensive three-day search.

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A post-mortem examination has yet to be carried so the exact cause of Mr Gallihawk’s death is not yet known.

A HSE spokesman said: “Our inquiries are at an early stage and we are focussing on whether there is anything that we need to investigate.”

Mr Gallihawk was a keen sportsman, but the event was his first triathlon.

He was believed to have been wearing a yellow cap to signify a novice swimmer.

A safety boat was on the water, but it seems no-one saw Mr Gallihawk get into difficulties. His absence was only noticed after all the entrants had left for the second stage of the event, the cycle race, and there was one bicycle left in the rack.

The British Triathlon Federation oversees triathlon events in the country.

Its chief executive Jack Buckner, said: “Triathlon has a tight-knit community and we are all very shocked and saddened by the death of Paul Gallihawk.

“The Ocean Lakes Triathlon was a permitted event, and therefore followed set safety guidelines, which are observed and reported back to us via the race referee.

“The guidelines cover aspects such as the number of safety marshals, and upper and lower water temperatures.

“The circumstances of Saturday’s event are being fully investigated and we are co-operating with the police.”

Mr Buckner said: “Triathlon has an excellent safety record and this was a relatively small event.

“We permit around 1,200 events per year, and this one had a small field size of only 104, so there wasn’t a big number of athletes starting the swim together.

“Once we know the full circumstances, we will communicate any recommendations to other event organisers to ensure that triathlon remains a safe, fun and healthy sport for all participants.”

Meanwhile floral tributes to Mr Gallihawk, 34, have begun appearing at the lakeside.

Mr Gallihawk was taking part to raise funds for Kings College Hospital.

Today the hospital has tweeted: “We are all saddened by the tragic death of King’s fundraiser Paul Gallihawk at the weekend.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”