Bridport Police are warning residents against swimming in the sea after a 19-year-old was rescued off Abbotsbury yesterday afternoon (Thursday).

Police, coastguard helicopter, West Bay Coastguard and Lyme Regis lifeboat were called after his friend raised the alarm when he struggled to return to the shore.

• Coastguard helicopter, rescue teams and lifeboat respond to swimmer in difficulty off Chesil Beach

A spokesman for Bridport Police said: "Fortunately, the male was safe and well. Please let this lucky escape be a lesson to those who think going for a quick swim in the sea is a good idea.

"The male was an experienced swimmer and yet still needed to be rescued.

"This action put a large demand on many already stretched services and luckily the result was the safe rescue of a person in need.

"Let this post be a message to remind people that swimming in the sea is dangerous, and to exercise extreme caution, especially along our coast as there are very strong currents."

West Bay Coastguard attended around 3.15pm.

"On arrival, Coastguard officers found the casualty in the sea, unable to return to shore due to the large sea swell and breaking waves.

"The coastguard helicopter arrived on scene shortly after, with the lifeboat not far behind.

"The casualty was winched from the sea by the winch-man/paramedic and was dropped back to the beach where he was assessed.

"The decision was made to fly the casualty direct to hospital and team members cleared a landing site on the beach for the inbound helicopter.

"The casualty was then packaged into a stretcher and transferred to the helicopter for the trip to hospital.

"We wish the casualty a full and speedy recovery. We also want to thank members of the public for their patience whilst the emergency services were attending the incident.

"If you find yourself in difficulty or if you see something which gives you cause for concern, do not hesitate, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."

The man was taken to Dorset County Hospital for treatment.