A man has been rescued from the sea off the Blackpool coast.



He was up to his neck in water when he was saved by Blackpool’s RNLI volunteers after getting into difficulty opposite Coral Island at around 5.30pm yesterday afternoon.

One of the charity’s D class lifeboats launched and reached the casualty within minutes. The volunteer lifeboat crew helped him into the lifeboat and returned him to shore where he was warmed up and checked over by a waiting ambulance.

Blackpool RNLI spokesperson Ian Butter said: ''the casualty we assisted this evening was very lucky, if our volunteers hadn’t reached him as quickly as they did the outcome could have been very different.’

Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Keith Horrocks MBE added: ''As summer approaches this incident serves as a timely reminder to visitors and locals alike. The beach is a fantastic place to spend time, especially when the weather is good, but please be mindful of the incoming tide and remain vigilant at all times. Remember to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you spot any problems or you get into difficulty.''

It was the crew's second rescue of the day after another man was pulled from the water near Central Pier.