A STRANDED kite surfer was rescued by lifeboat crews from New Brighton and Hoylake.

They were alerted to a report of a kite surfer struggling in the water near the 'Gunsite' car park in Leasowe on Saturday afternoon.

New Brighton Lifeboat volunteer crew members were deployed by Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team along with Hoylake Hovercraft 'John Russell'.

A member of New Brighton was in the local area, sighted what appeared to be a kite surfer in difficulty and raised the alarm.

The lifeboat headed to the last known location and located the casualty, who had been in the water for 30 minutes, was starting to fatigue and was being dragged out to sea by the outgoing tide.

The crew on board were able to rescue and recover the casualty onto the lifeboat and provide him with medical care.

Hoylake Hovercraft's crew recovered the kite surfer’s equipment from the water.

The casualty was taken back to New Brighton Lifeboat station and checked over by the crew. Thankfully, he required no further medical assistance.

Mark Dyer, deputy launching authority, New Brighton Lifeboat, said: "This Rescue was made particularly difficult due to the outgoing tide and resultant shallow water for the lifeboat to operate in.

"This incident also shows excellent teamwork between the New Brighton and Hoylake Lifeboat crews resulting in the casualty and their equipment being recovered.

"We ask everyone to carefully consider the need to go to the beach, the coast or onto the water at this time.

"Please follow the government guidelines in relation to essential travel and social distancing.

"Even in these difficult and unprecedented times our RNLI volunteers are still on duty 24/7 and ready to deploy at the sound of the pager.