Selsey RNLI inshore lifeboat ILB 'Betty and Thomas Moore' was launched at 14:55 at the request of Solent Coastguard to assist a swimmer after the man’s wife reported losing sight of him swimming approximately half a mile offshore from Pagham Yacht Club.
'Betty and Thomas Moore' was on scene at 15:08 and spotted the man approximately 30 metres from the beach and happily swimming. He confirmed his identity and the ILB stayed in close proximity until he had made his way ashore at 15:13.
At 15:14 the Lifeboat was released to return to station, arriving back at 15:29, was washed down, rehoused straight away and made ready for service by 16:00.
CREW: G.Pearce (Helmsman), C.Harvey, S.Troughton-Smith.
WIND: South-southeast 1. SEA: Smooth. WEATHER: Hot sunny day.
Helmsman Gary Pearce said "The swimmer was surprised to see us as he was unaware that his partner was worried about him. When we went alongside, he was quite happy to carry on swimming back to the beach."