A paddleboarder was blown out to sea while he was sunbathing - then spent the next half hour frantically trying to get back to shore.

The drama - which saw the paddleboarder blown 500 metres out - has prompted a warning for people to be aware of weather conditions including offshore winds.

A watchkeeper at the Charmouth National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) spotted the paddleboarder sunbathing off the shore.

The NCI said he was caught in a force three northerly wind which blew him out to sea. He was seen paddling back towards shore, making little headway.

He then spent five minutes in the water swimming with the board in tow, again making little progress.

Dorset Echo: A paddleboarder who had drifted out off the coast at CharmouthA paddleboarder who had drifted out off the coast at Charmouth (Image: Charmouth NCI)

Having got back on the board, he proceeded to use both arms to paddle instead of using the oar. 

This prompted the watchkeeper to contact the Coastguard which advised the paddleboarder be monitored.

Nigel Lea, press officer for Charmouth NCI, said: “The paddleboarder eventually made it back to the beach after half an hour of intense paddling.

"Solent Coastguard were informed when the person was safely back on the beach and the incident was closed with no assets called upon to initiate a rescue.”

The previous day, on Saturday, June 1, two women and their dogs on paddleboards had to be rescued by a lifeboat crew when the same thing happened to them at Lulworth Cove.

The pair had become stranded almost a mile offshore due to north - north easterly winds blowing them out to sea.

Mr Lea added: “These two incidents highlight the need to be aware of the sea and weather conditions.

"A wind from the north will make the sea appear flat and calm but the wind will blow anything in its path no matter how calm it might appear to be. 

“Both incidents, fortunately, had a happy outcome.

"If you are going on the water please be appropriately dressed, the water at this time of year is still very cold and carry a means of communication, in a waterproof pouch, just in case.”

Stand up paddleboarding is one of the fastest growing water sports in the UK.

The Coastguard suggest following a series of tips  to remain safe.

It says to check the weather forecast and tide times before leaving home and to not go out when there are offshore winds as they can they can ‘quickly blow you out to sea’.

The Coastguard also advises to wear a personal flotation device and on a lifeguard beach to launch and recover between the black and white chequered flags.

It also says to wear suitable clothing such as a wet or dry suit and wear a leash and hold onto your board if you get into trouble.

Other advice includes going out with another person, have appropriate training and to tell someone where you are going and when you are likely to return.

If you do get into difficulty always call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.