Paddleboarders who got into difficulty between Ardrossan and Seamill were ‘incredibly lucky’ to return to dry land safe and sound, according to RNLI volunteers.

Volunteer crews from Largs and Troon joined a rescue helicopter from HM Coastguard at the incident, after an alert was raised when they got into difficulty shortly before 6pm on Tuesday, April 18.

Luckily, the paddleboarders made it to a rocky outcrop before making their own way back to shore, but Largs lifeboat operations manager John Griffiths says the incident could have ended differently.

Mr Griffiths said: “Although the weather was sunny, there was a strong offshore wind and that will give a false sense that the water is calm and ideal conditions for paddleboarding.

“The two paddleboarders involved were incredibly lucky they managed to get onto a rocky outcrop which stopped them from being blown further out to sea.

“Thanks must also be given to the kayaker for alerting the emergency services to the paddleboarders plight.'

For more paddleboard safety information go to www.rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/stand-up-paddle-boarding.