Kite-surfers are warned to be careful in high winds

The married man, who has not been named, was practising the sport off Southbourne beach in Dorset when he got into trouble on Sunday morning.

Fellow kitesurfers dragged him out of the water, said police, and two helicopters and a lifeboat were also scrambled to the scene.

He was taken by ambulance to hospital but did not regain consciousness.

"He was taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital where in spite of extensive resuscitation attempts, he was confirmed deceased," said a Dorset police spokesman.

"Dorset police are helping Her Majesty's Coroner with their inquiries.

"His family has been informed and are obviously in deep distress and shock and are asking for their privacy at this time."