Coastguards received a 999 call at 1.45pm on Sunday from a man reporting his son had called him from a mobile phone to say he was lost in a kayak off Rock-a-Nore.

Hastings inshore lifeboat was launched but the canoeist could not be found, and the all-weather lifeboat and an aircraft from Kent were tasked to assist.

The search area was extended from Cliff End at Pett Level to Hastings Pier.

The man was located 45 minutes later in Fairlight Cove and brought to safety by the Hastings RNLI inshore lifeboat.

The 30-year-old had only bought the kayak on Saturday but had failed to equip it adequately, coastguards said.

The canoeist was taken to the Conquest Hospital where he was treated for hypothermia.

A spokesman for Hastings Coastguard said the man had failed to let anyone know when or where he was going.

"The rescue services would like to remind the public that when they go to sea, especially alone, that they should inform the coastguard prior to setting off and again on their safe return," said the spokesman.

"This then gives the rescue services a starting point to search for you if something goes wrong.
"It may be the phone call that saves your life."