A lifeguard was left clinging onto two drifting paddleboards out at sea until a lifeboat could arrive during an heroic rescue yesterday.

It was after four people and a dog onboard found themselves being blown off course and drifting towards rocks during an afternoon paddleboard on Saturday.

They had left Kennack Sands on the Lizard Peninsula, but by the time they were found they had drifted almost a mile around the coastline to near Lankidden Cove.

When the lifeboat arrived the crew found a lifeguard from Kennack face down on his own board, clinging to the two paddleboards to stop them separating and drifting further away.

The Lizard Lifeboat was scrambled just before 3.10pm on Saturday after the paddleboarders contacted Falmouth Coastguard and were able to give their location using the 'what3words' app.

At this point the Coastguard was able to inform both lifeboat and the duty Kennack Sands RNLI lifeguards, who immediately made their way to the scene.

Taking up the story, a Lizard Lifeboat spokesperson said: "Due to the strong winds the lifeguard was unable to assist them back to shore, but remained on scene.

"Upon their arrival RNLB Rose located four persons and a dog on two paddleboards. In between the two boards was the lifeguard, who was lying face down on his own board holding on to the two paddle boards.

"The casualties had drifted a fair way almost to Lankidden Cove. They were brought aboard the lifeboat using the jasons cradle, where it was ascertained that no medical assistance was required.

"The Y-boat was then deployed and after carrying out a total of four trips to shore and back, all of the casualties, including their dog, the paddleboards and the lifeguard, were returned safely to the beach at Kennack Sands."

RNLB Rose and her crew returned to their station at Kilcobben Cove, The Lizard and the boat ready for service again when needed by 4.52pm.