The importance of earring lifejacket was underlined when rescuers helped a fellow sailor who had fallen into the water.

Lifeboat volunteers from Harwich RNLI assisted the rescuer earlier in the week after a sailor's dinghy had capsized in the River Deben.

Harwich's Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was launched and made its way to Felixstowe Ferry after being requested by UK Coastguard to locate and assist the sailor.

The man in the water was struggling after a fast-flowing tide separated him from his dinghy.

However, arriving on scene it was discovered the man had been pulled from the water by a passing sailor.

An RNLI casualty care trained crew member examined the sailor, but no further medical attention was required.

The sailor and his dinghy were reunited on the shore and passed to the care of the Felixstowe Coastguard Rescue Team.

Felixstowe lifeboat helm Paul Griffin praised the good samaritan but also warned of the importance of wearing a lifejacket

"This service was a classic example of the importance of wearing a lifejacket whenever you go afloat," said Mr Griffin.

"You never know when the unexpected will happen, but a lifejacket will keep you afloat, keep your airways clear of the water, reduce panic, and crucially give time for help to arrive."

"If you happen to find yourself unexpectedly in the water without a lifejacket, simply float to live.

"Fight your instincts to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and get your breathing under control. Only then call for help or swim to safety."