A swimmer was airlifted to hospital after being knocked over by a wave and suffering a neck injury at a beach in El Cotillo, Fuerteventura, yesterday afternoon (Sunday).

The man was at Playa de la Escalera, in the municipality of La Oliva, when a wave knocked him onto the sand. He was left with severe pain in his neck following the impact.

Other beachgoers quickly went over to him and helped move him away from the water. A doctor who happened to be at the beach assessed the man and helped stabilise him while emergency services were called.

Firefighters, a rescue helicopter crew and La Oliva Local Police were sent to the beach. The nature of the man's injury and the difficult access to this part of the coastline meant a helicopter evacuation was required.

He was flown to Fuerteventura Airport, where a medical ambulance was waiting to transfer him to Fuerteventura General Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

The Local Police praised the quick response of those at the beach, whose actions ensured the injured man received assistance until emergency crews arrived.