A MAN fell overboard from a yacht today, prompting the launch of Cowes RNLI lifeboat.

The lifeboat was launched this morning after a 54-year-old man fell overboard from a yacht during a Royal Yachting Association examination.

The incident happened just outside Cowes breakwater when the guard rail he leaned on at the bow of the 40-foot boat gave way.

The lifeboat, which launched at 9.14am with Mark Harker at the helm, came alongside the yacht to put aboard crew member Dr Will King. He carried out an assessment of the man, who had swallowed seawater although remained conscious.

When the yacht arrived at Trinity Landing the man was taken to a waiting ambulance to undergo a further examination.

He didn't go to hospital, and eventually returned to the yacht when it set sail for Hamble.

Among the yacht's five-strong crew was a long serving member of Cowes lifeboat, Andrea Vaughan, who is well trained in casualty care.

The RNLI is reminding sailors that any time a person falls overboard it is important to call for help.

A person falling into the sea can suffer from cold water shock, could have suffered an injury and are at risk of secondary drowning.