A MAN was rescued after striking his back on a rock in the water after paddleboarding.

The dramatic rescue happened early on Saturday at Freshwater Beach, Burton Bradstock.

West Bay Coastguard was alerted to Freshwater, where the holiday park is situated, just before 11am to find the man, who had struck his back on a 'submerged boulder' - and had to crawl out of the water onto the river bank.

A spokesman from West Bay Coastguard said: "At 10.59am on Saturday, the West Bay Coastguard rescue team were tasked by Solent Coastguard to a paddleboarder, who had sustained a lower back injury at Freshwater.

"The 37-year-old was paddling on the river near the holiday park, but fell from his board into the shallow water striking his back on a submerged boulder.

"South Western Ambulance Service were responding to the incident, but requested the coastguard attend to assist the casualty until their arrival.

"Officers quickly responded to the station in West Bay to pick up their equipment and rescue vehicle then headed for Freshwater.

"On arrival, holiday park staff guided team members to the casualty who had crawled out of the water onto the river bank but was unable to stand.

"Officers carried out a full assessment, updated the ambulance service and then closely monitored him until the arrival of the paramedics.

"Paramedics administered pain relief and the casualty was then packaged into the teams rescue stretcher and carried to the waiting ambulance.

"We wish the casualty a full and speedy recovery.

"Special thanks goes out to the team at Freshwater Holiday Park for their assistance during this incident.

"If you find yourself in difficulty, or if you see something that gives you cause for concern then do not hesitate."

Dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.