The 68-year-old became trapped by incoming tides off the Cleveleys coast last night.

Freezing water filled his waders, meaning he could not move.

When lifeboat crews reached him the water was up to his neck and he was suffering from hypothermia.

Rescue crews said had they not pulled the pensioner from the sea when they did he would have drowned within minutes.

The drama – which sparked a major sea rescue operation – started at 7.20pm.

Two men were fishing on a sandbank opposite the Royal Hotel, on North Promenade, when the tide came in around them.

One of the men tried to walk back to shore, but became stuck when his clothing began letting in water.

His companion, a 44-year-old, tried to help. When he was unable to free his friend, and with the water now up to his chest, the younger man managed to scramble ashore and raise the alarm.

Coastguard and lifeboat teams from Blackpool and Fleetwood raced to the scene.

The trapped angler was pulled out of the water by the Blackpool RNLI crew. He was taken ashore where a waiting ambulance took him to Blackpool Victoria Hospital for treatment.

Paul Parton, from Blackpool Lifeboat Station, said the man had been lucky as he had been in the water for around 40 minutes.
He said: "I would say another five minutes, 10 at most, and the water would have been over his head.

"The man's clothing meant he was stuck and could not move as it had filled up with water.

"It was lucky the men were able to raise the alarm. Being in the sea and the cold means hypothermia can set in fast."

The rescued man, who has not been named, was suffering from hypothermia, but his condition is not thought to be serious.

Mr Parton praised the crews for the speed at which they were able to react and rescue the stranded angler.

He said: "The two men had been fishing on a sandbank at about tea-time and the tide had come in around them.

"When one of the men tried to wade ashore, his waders filled with water and he became unable to move.

"The crews have been able to get to the scene in a matter of minutes.

"We launched the Atlantic lifeboat, which is our fastest lifeboat, along with the D-class lifeboat, which is able to be used in shallow water.
"The man was very, very cold after that length of time in the water, especially in the current temperatures.

"It was a satisfying outcome for us as we were able to get to the casualty very fast and get him to dry land."

Bart Dartlubecki, from the Coastguard service, added: "The man was in the water about 40 minutes which is a very long time. He is very lucky.

"It is thought the two men may have been taking part in a competition in the afternoon and decided to stay later."