This is why the coastguard helicopter was on the beach near Hastings

The helicopter at the scene. Picture by Mark Sutton SUS-200715-100413001

A spokesman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the coastguard received a 999 call shortly after 6pm after a swimmer got into difficulties in the water at Pett Level, near Hastings.

The spokesman said: “Coastguard rescue teams from Hastings and Rye Bay were sent, along with Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat, an RNLI lifeboat from Rye Harbour and a coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Lydd.

“The person was brought to shore by a member of the public and was attended to by coastguards and the helicopter winchman before being passed into the care of South East Coast Ambulance Service.”

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