TWO jet-skiers rescued a drunken man who ended up in the water after floating out to sea in an inflatable canoe.
The Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team was called out to the incident in Saltcoats on Sunday afternoon - and discovered members of the public had come to the man's aid.
The rescue team were joined by the Troon Lifeboat, Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 199, the Scottish Ambulance Service and Ayrshire Police Division.
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They were called to a report of a man in distress in an inflatable canoe.
Emergency services responded immediately but on arrival the man was already being brought ashore by two passing jet skiers, who had also been alerted to the incident.
The coastguard said that the man had went into the water in the inflatable canoe without a life jacket or personal flotation device, and subsequently ended up in the water.
He was treated for being under the influence of alcohol and suffering from the effects of the cold having been in the water.
A rapid response paramedic and double crewed ambulance arrived a short time later with the man left in the care of paramedics.
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The Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team said: "We continue to advise the public against taking part in any sort of water-based activity after consuming alcohol and to always wear a life jacket or a personal floatation device when heading out to sea. Lifejackets save lives but they are absolutely useless unless worn and worn correctly.
"Our thanks to the eagle-eyed jet skiers who were nearby and able to render quick assistance and as always to our partner agencies for the continued support."
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