A paddleboarder was plucked from the sea off the coast of Ayrshire this morning after getting into distress near Culzean.
Girvan's lifeboat crew raced to the scene shortly after 11am with weather conditions worsening.
The craft was joined by Girvan Coastguard Rescue Team and SAR helicopter Rescue 199 from Prestwick.
An RNLI spokesperson said: "Once on scene with tricky conditions, poor visibility and gusts to 46mph a thorough search was carried out by the Lifeboat and SAR helicopter.
"The casualty was soon located approximately three miles offshore and the lifeboat crew recovered the casualty and paddleboard from the water and onto the lifeboat, where the casualty was assessed by our casualty care trained crew.
"Girvan Lifeboat after liaising with Coastguard Rescue 199 then returned to Girvan with the casualty, while the helicopter then made its way back to base at Prestwick.
"On return to Girvan after further first aid provided by our crew as well as monitoring observations for a time after returning, it was deemed no further medical attention was required, we were happy to hand the casualty back into the care of family members, with appropriate advice given.
"Girvan Lifeboat was then made ready for the next service call.
"We would take this opportunity to remind the public they should always have a means of calling for help and that the conditions are suitable for undertaking your watersports or activity prior to departure."
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
