Firefighters praised the efforts of sailing club members who rushed to the aid of a stricken windsurfer.

A man in his 50s sustained head and neck injuries while windsurfing in a lake near Salt Lane, Cliffe, at around midday yesterday (Sunday).

Strood watch manager Martin Simmons said the injured man was conscious but unable to move as a result of his injuries.

Michael Reeks and Jason Grafton from Blue Circle Sailing Club rushed to the man’s aid and held him up out of the water.

They were also joined by club members Simon Pugh and Mike Fish, who assisted in the rescue.

Watch manager Simmons said: “They saved his life without a doubt by holding his head out of the water.

“It was under very difficult conditions – it was windy and very cold, so one of the biggest problems was hypothermia.”

A specialist water rescue crew arrived from Larkfield to help and the man was handed over to paramedics just before 1.40pm on Sunday, before being taken to hospital.

The full extent of his injuries are not yet known.