A paddle boarder helped rescue a man who got into difficulty after falling into the sea.

The man was attempting some paddle boarding of his own before he fell into the water off Thorpe Bay Beach on Saturday.

Southend Coastguard were called to assist the man, who was struggling to stay afloat because he was struggling with the effects of cold water shock.

A fellow paddle boarder nearby quickly came to the rescue and was able to bring the man safely back to land.

He was then left in the care of the coastguard and paramedics, who were able to treat him and send him home with a family member.

The coastguard has thanked the paddle boarder who stepped in to rescue the man and warned the effects of cold water should not be forgotten when going into the sea.

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A spokesman said: “Cold water can be silent and deadly: Even on the warmest of days.

“It kills.

“Please never underestimate the impact of cold water shock in winter ‘and’ summer.”

The coastguard has also issued the following safety advice to anyone planning to paddle board out at sea:

  • Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket (especially when paddling alone). If you have such a device on, when you fall into water, it will allow you to float and recover from the initial shock, remember ‘float to live!'
  • Go with a mate: subject to Covid local government restrictions
  • Get some training: there are many SUP Clubs locally to Southend which will help you get the right level of training and make you safety aware
  • Wear a leash: if on open moving water wear a ‘waist leash’ as opposed to an ankle leash to safely extract yourself in moving water away from any hazard
  • Check weather and tide times: they can effect your ability to paddle back to shore, never underestimate the power of mother nature
  • Let someone know where you are going and what time you will return
  • Always carry a mobile phone: Put in a water proof pouch so you can call for help