Emergency services were scrambled reports of an unknown object off of Lusty Glaze Beach on Saturday.

Newquay RNLI launched the Atlantic Lifeboat and Newquay Coastguard Search and Rescue Team attended the scene at about 2.30pm.

The lifeboat crew discovered the object in question, which was now off Whipsiderry Beach, was in fact a wing surfer with a broken board making their way to shore.

The surfer declined any help so the lifeboat crew escorted them to the surf line. 

The individual made their way safely onto the beach and was greeted by the Coastguard team at the top of the steps, to pass on some safety advice and ensure they required no medical attention. 

A spokesperson for Newquay Lifeboat Station said: “Falmouth Coastguard had paged the duty launch authority to enquire if conditions would allow a launch to investigate a report of a windsurfer in difficulty one hundred metres off Lusty Glaze Beach. 

“It was agreed that the launch authority would make their way to the lifeboat station to assess the weather conditions while the crew were assembling. 

“The decision was made to launch the charity's Atlantic 85, Uncle Johnny and put the crew of D class on immediate readiness, due to conditions being at the limit for safely operating for this asset. 

“The RNLI volunteers launched the Atlantic 85 at 2:40pm in squally showers which reduced visibility to less than 400 metres at times. 

“Meanwhile, the D Class crew kitted up and prepared the lifeboat for launch if requested by the Atlantic 85 Helm. 

“Arriving at the scene, the Atlantic crew spoke with two surfers who reported that they were the only two people in the sea and had not seen a windsurfer. 

“On expanding the search, one of the lifeboat crew spotted a glimpse of red approximately two hundred metres away. 

“Once the crew got closer, they discovered a windsurfer with one hand raised. 

“The lifeboat went alongside and on offering assistance, the windsurfer confirmed that they did not require RNLI help and would make their own way to shore. 

“The casualty had broken their windsurfing rig and appeared to have an injured shoulder. The lifeboat crew advised the casualty that access to the public steps at Whipsiderry Beach was probably closed but they were insistent that they did not require further assistance.

“In line with  HM Coastguard and RNLI protocols, the crew of the lifeboat escorted the casualty as far as the surf line through which they were unable to follow. 

“By this time the casualty was visible to Newquay Coastguard Search and Rescue Team who confirmed that the casualty had succeeded in getting ashore safely. 

“The casualty then walked up the steps and through the public safety barrier where they declined further assistance from the Coastguard Rescue Team.”

A spokesperson for Newquay Coastguard Search and Rescue Team said: “We would like to point out that although someone has elected to take down the safety barriers near the top of Whipsiderry steps.

"The area is still extremely hazardous and remains closed to the public, please stay clear for your own safety.”