The Exmouth RNLI inshore lifeboat, George Bearman was tasked at 12.05pm on Monday 8 April by Brixham coastguard to a windsurfer in difficulty, off Maer rocks.

The three-man RNLI crew, made up of experienced volunteers Andy Stott, Mark Champion and Roger Jackson at the helm, were on the water within 11 minutes. A kitesurfer had raised the alarm by alerting RNLI lifeguards, based further along the beach, who are currently making preparations for the upcoming season.

The charity’s volunteers recovered the casualty, a local man from Budleigh Salterton and brought him back to the station. The George Bearman returned to service at 12.50pm.

• Exmouth, Teignmouth and Dawlish Warren beaches will be patrolled by RNLI lifeguards between 25 May and 8 September 2013