A SEARCH was undertaken for a swimmer reportedly in difficulty.

Following a call from a member of the public expressing concerns for a swimmer, Littlehampton RNLI began a search of the shore area between Elmer and Felpham.

A volunteer crew aboard the Atlantic 85 Renee Sherman inshore lifeboat also joined the search as daylight began to lessen.

According to a spokeswoman from Littlehampton RNLI, the air temperature was 10C, while water temperatures in the sea were around 8C, with waves reducing visibility.

“The lifeboat headed west arriving at the position of the reported sighting at 5.52pm, just offshore from Elmer,” she said. “With no immediate indication of a casualty in the water, a shore parallel search was commenced westwards following the prevailing tidal flow.

“To increase visibility on the water the crew launched a white parachute flare at 6.20pm illuminating the sea surface over a broad area.”

Following an extensive search, HM Coastguard stood down the search operation at 7.04pm and the lifeboat went back to the RNLI boathouse at Fisherman’s Quay in Littlehampton.

The incident happened on Tuesday, February 8.

Simon Tann, Deputy Launch Authority at Littlehampton RNLI, said: “We thank the member of the public who called 999, asking for the Coastguard, for their vigilance.

“Although on this occasion our volunteer crew did not find any indication of a casualty in the water, our charity is available 24/7 to assist those in distress at sea.

“The support of members of the public as eyes and ears to potential incidents is a key element of our life saving capabilities and we would always encourage calling 999 if there are any concerns about persons or animals in the water.”