The RNLI Brighton lifeboat was called out yesterday evening after a man was believed to have entered the sea near the Palace Pier after dark.
A distressed member of the public dialled 999, concerned for the man’s safety, with the air temperature just above freezing and the sea temperature below 46F (8C).
The lifeboat crew arrived in the area at about 8pm and used searchlights and night vision equipment to try to trace the man.
The man was located on the shoreline and crewman Dan Gurr swam ashore to offer help.
The man appeared to be at risk of harming himself so the crew asked Sussex Police for assistance.
Police officers took the man to a place of safety.
