UPDATE: Man 'up to neck' in water at Cleveleys rescued by lifeboat

The man was spotted up to his chest in the water was reported at around 8.20am today, close to The Venue in North Promenade.Police and Coastguard teams were called to the scene and Blackpool’s lifeboats werelaunched.Mark Sumner, from Fleetwood coastguard, said: “We were called to reports of a person in the water close to The Venue at Cleveleys.“He was recovered from the water by the RNLI and handed over to our care.“We remained with him until an ambulance arrived.”Lifeboat crews reached the scene within minutes and helped the man from the water.By the time they arrived the water was up to his neck.Once onboard the lifeboat it was clear that the casualty was suffering from the effects of the cold. He was taken to shore where paramedics were waiting to treat him.Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Keith Horrocks MBE said, ‘Our volunteers did a brilliant job this morning, they reached the casualty really quickly and were able to stop a serious situation from becoming a tragedy.”Mr Horrocks said it was important to recognise the dangers posed by the sea.He said: “As summer approaches this incident serves as a timely reminder to visitors and locals alike.“The beach is a fantastic place to spend time, especially when the weather is good, but please be mindful of the incoming tide and remain vigilant at all times.“Remember to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you spot any problems or you get into difficulty.”The rescue operation came less than 48 hours after a major search was launched for a man seen walking into the water at Fleetwood.That search, involving three lifeboat crews, two coastguard teams and a coastguard helicopter, was stood down on Tuesday morning.The man, identified as 50-year-old Mark Maitland, made contact with his family and police on Tuesday afternoon. He was found safe and well in Fleetwood on Tuesday evening.Police said the incidents were not linked.