A HOLIDAYMAKER was rescued after getting into difficulty in a riptide at Strangles Beach near Crackington Haven.

A fifty-seven year-old Brighton man got into difficulty at Strangles Beach, at about 11.30am on Monday.

He was plucked to safety by the shipping vessel Sharicmar, then airlifted by an RMB Chivenor helicopter.

The man was cold and shocked, but unhurt.

During the incident, the man spent about an hour in the water before he was pulled out by the fishing vessel and picked up by the helicopter.

Search and rescue paramedic Sgt Ryan Thomas, who was on board the helicopter, said: "He said that he was trying to swim but it was just to no avail. When he lost sight of the beach he thought his time was up."

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency Spokesman said: "Despite the long spell of good weather, it's early in the season and the water is still very cold. Riptides are not uncommon — that's why people should use beaches with lifeguard patrols."

"Swimmers need to be aware of their own strengths and stay within the flagged areas."

Anyone caught in a riptide should try to relax and stay afloat until the water flattens out, the spokesman added.