A YOUNG man’s life was saved at a Purbeck beauty spot after he was pulled unconscious from the water by three “quick-thinking and selfless” men.

The man, who was swimming at the time, was found face down in the water during the incident at Durdle Door on Saturday afternoon.

Lulworth Coastguard Rescue Team were called to the scene to assist South Western Ambulance Service at 5.30pm following reports a 22-year-old man had fainted on the beach. The team met the paramedics at Durdle Door car park before making their way down the track, with the help of Lulworth Estate staff. En route, they were flagged down by a member of the public who explained what had happened.

He told Lulworth Coastguard Rescue Team he had found the casualty in the water along with two others. The crew and paramedics located the casualty’s family party near Scratchy Bottom where the casualty was conscious and in the recovery position.

Lulworth Coastguard Rescue Team said the man had ingested a large amount of water and was taken to Dorset County Hospital so he could be monitored for secondary drowning, meaning water had entered his lungs.

The casualty was escorted to the top of the steps before being driven to the top of the track and transferred into an ambulance.

Lulworth Coastguard Rescue Team praised the three men who saved the man.

A spokesperson said on Saturday: “Special thanks go to the three men who pulled the casualty from the water. We have no doubt that their vigilance, quick thinking and selfless actions saved the man’s life this afternoon.”

The team were then stood down before returning to the station.