A WINDSURFER had to be rescued after getting into difficulties at sea.

RNLI lifeguards at Sedgewell Cove rescued the windsurfer, who was washed into a small inaccessible cove after being caught out in difficult conditions.

In strong onshore winds and breaking surf, the team managed to manoeuvre the charity's inshore rescue boat in among the rocks to rescue the man.

The incident happened on Saturday, when lifeguards at Sedgewell Cove noticed the windsurfer who was unable to return to shore in the strong winds and four foot surf.

The man was being carried away from the beach.

Senior RNLI lifeguard Jason Macbroom, who had just finished some water based training on his break, prepared the inshore rescue boat for launching while RNLI Supervisor Paul Gunning made his way across the beach to join him.

Paul Gunning said: 'When we arrived at the scene the windsurfer had been washed in to a small cut off cove, among rocks and breaking surf.

The cove was flanked by steep cliffs with no way out other than by sea.

'Time was critical with the tide rising and we decided to take the rescue boat in closer to survey the scene and choose somewhere to land in the cove.

'This was a very critical rescue, largely due to the conditions, time constraints and restricted location.

'Jason and I are very experienced lifeguards and we had to make fast, rational decisions on what was possible and how to attempt the rescue before committing to action.

'The flooding tide and building surf meant there was no time to bring in any other rescue agencies.

'We knew we had to act wisely, but swiftly, if we were to help the casualty.

'We got in to the cove and checked the casualty over for any signs of injury before getting him to pack down his kit as best he could.

'While he did this we held the rescue boat in a launch position knowing we had to make a fast and safe get -away from the area.

'We explained how the launch would happen and the man positioned himself in the boat as, with the conditions getting worse, it was critical that we were all positioned carefully for the journey out of the cove through the breaking surf.

'A short break in the sea conditions allowed us to quickly get out of the area and head to the main beach.'

RNLI lifeguards Dave Pascoe and Holly Molesworth were able to check the casualty over, while his kit was recovered by the crew of the inshore rescue boat.

Paul Gunning said they were also able to give the windsurfer some advice: 'We were able to explain the importance of signalling for help early so we can respond before the situation gets out of hand and of assessing the conditions before setting out, considering whether they are suitable for you and your sport.

'The windsurfer was extremely grateful for our assistance and understood the critical nature of the situation he had got into in the challenging conditions.

'It's an example of why it makes sense to go in or on the water at a lifeguarded beach where we are on the lookout and can help when things go wrong.'