Firefighters rescue stranded windsurfer near Sandy Point

WESTERLY, R.I. (WLNE) — The Watch Hill Fire Department said firefighters rescued a stranded windsurfer in the water near Sandy Point on Oct. 13.

The Watch Hill, Stonington Borough, and Pawcatuck fire departments responded to reports of a male windsurfer in distress around 1:35 p.m.

According to WHFD, the windsurfer had been struggling against strong winds and currents for over an hour, and was not able to get back on his board or to shore.

Crews were able to hoist the man aboard WHFD’s boat and transport him to shore.

The man was taken to a local hospital in “non life threatening condition,” according to WHFD.

WHFD is using this incident as a reminder to always have a life jacket and to file a float plan when going into open water.