Dozens of emergency service personnel joined a large-scale search and rescue operation in Selsey on Sunday afternoon (December 1).
RNLI and Coastguard teams were being supported by police officers and paramedics. Photos show a Coastguard helicopter was assisting the search out at sea.
Reports on social media said between 30 and 40 police officers joined the emergency response.
A Sussex Police statement on Sunday evening read: “Police are appealing for information following welfare concerns for man seen on the beach in Selsey, Chichester.
"Emergency services responded to a report at around 12.30pm on Sunday (December 1), after a man was seen standing in the water at Selsey beach, adjacent to Kingsway.
"Police received a further report that the man had been seen exiting the water in distress.
"The man is described as between 20 and 30-years-old, with black hair and tattoos on his wrists. He was also wearing a blue top and black trousers.”
The police said an ‘extensive search’ of the water and surrounding areas was undertaken by HM Coastguard and officers, which ‘has since concluded’.
A spokesperson added: “Further enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances, and if you witnessed a man entering or exiting the water, or have any information, we ask you contact police online, or by calling 101 quoting reference 521 of 1/12.”
HM Coastguard coordinated the response to a report of ‘concern for a man in the water’.
A spokesperson added: “The HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-Solent was sent as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from Littlehampton and Selsey, and the RNLI's all-weather lifeboat from Selsey.
“After a thorough search, the man was seen to leave the area and no one was found to be in distress. Sussex Police was also alerted.”

1. Selsey search and rescue operation
Dozens of emergency service personnel have joined a large-scale search and rescue operation off the coast in Selsey. Photo: Eddie Mitchell

2. Selsey search and rescue operation
Dozens of emergency service personnel have joined a large-scale search and rescue operation off the coast in Selsey. Photo: Eddie Mitchell

3. Selsey search and rescue operation
Dozens of emergency service personnel have joined a large-scale search and rescue operation off the coast in Selsey. Photo: Eddie Mitchell

4. Selsey search and rescue operation
Dozens of emergency service personnel have joined a large-scale search and rescue operation off the coast in Selsey. Photo: Eddie Mitchell