A WINDSURFER was rescued from force three gales by Poole RNLI lifeboat crew on Monday.

The volunteers were on exercise when a report came through that a kite surfer had got into difficulty near Parkstone Yacht Club.

When the lifeboat arrived on scene, the kite surfer had taken refuge on a moored boat and was waving for help after deflating his kite.

The volunteers checked he was okay and transferred him onto a lifeboat and took him ashore at Baiter Slipway.

The crew also rescued another struggling windsurfer caught in squally showers off Hamworthy Park on Sunday.

Calls had come in from three people, with a passing vessel responding to the call and helping the windsurfer.

As the Poole Atlantic lifeboat arrived on scene the windsurfer was safe and making his way back to shore.