COASTGUARDS were called to St Helens Fort amid fears for a man who appeared to be struggling in the water.

Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team and Bembridge Solent Rescue Team, around 10am today (Monday) were alerted to a swimmer who appeared to be in trouble after members of the public raised the alarm.

Rescue teams were tasked to The Duver where it was discovered that it was a false alarm and the swimmer had made it to the shore himself.

A spokesperson for the UK Coastguard said: "We were called to reports of a man struggling in the water but it turned out to be a false alarm. He was just swimming."