Six schoolboys died on Thursday after they accidentally fell into a lake in southwest China's Yunnan Province, local authorities said Friday.

Police in Tonghai County received reports at around 6:40 p.m. that seven children had fallen into the Qilu Lake.

A witness told police some of the boys had been touring the lake in a deserted boat, while others standing on a foam plank floating in the water.

Police and volunteers searched the lake for the children. Only one boy was found alive and was sent to hospital. Doctors said his conditions were stable.

All six bodies had been retrieved by 11 p.m.

The seven children were all students from Dashu Primary School in Xiushan Township of Tonghai County.

The county government has ordered local schools to step up safety education among children.

Authorities have also stepped up patrolling the lake to prevent similar accidents.