RESCUE teams rushed to Lepe after receiving reports of a man in trouble in the water.

The casualty was winched aboard a coastguard search and rescue helicopter and two other people who had attempted to rescue him swimmer were given a check up by an ambulance crew.

The incident occurred shortly after 7pm yesterday.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said: "The Calshot RNLI lifeboat, the Lymington Coastguard Rescue Team, the search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-the-Solent and South Central Ambulance Service responded to a 999 call reporting someone in difficulty in the water at Lepe Split.

"Two other people were attempting to rescue them.

"The casualty was rescued by the search and rescue helicopter and the two members of public who had attempted to assist walked ashore and were assessed by the ambulance crew and members of the coastguard rescue team."

Dave Myers was on the beach at the time.

He said: "At around 7pm I heard someone shout 'help' and 'help us' constantly. Several people ran to assist and many others phoned the coastguard.

"I could see about six people quite far out in the water.

"Within maybe five minutes the coastguard helicopter arrived and winched a young man out of the water. As this was happening several boats started speed towards the area to assist.

"They all waited, ready to help, but the remaining people managed to get out on their ow.

"The helicopter landed and the man was treated/checked over by the coastguard. He seemed OK."