Eagle eyed members of the public called 999 after spotting a swimmer far out in the channel near Clevedon Pier.
Clevedon Coastguard Rescue Team received a number of calls from concerned people at shortly before 7pm yesterday (Sunday) after spotting a swimmer out in the estuary.
The man was swimming against the tide in the area of the bay between the landmark and Wains Hill.
Local people, concerned at the distance he was out, called 999 to alert the coastguard
Clevedon Coastguard Rescue Team dashed to the scene, also calling for help from Portishead RNLI to check the swimmer’s welfare.
On arrival they found the swimmer to be fine, but tired.
RNLI crews got the man on board and took him back to the shore by the pier.
The man was checked over by the coastguard before being given words of advice and released.
Clevedon Coastguard Rescue Team spokesman Andy Hughes said: “The majority of the 999 calls about the man came from local swimmers who were concerned about his position in the bay with an ebbing tide.
“He could have got into serious trouble had he been out there for much longer.
“As the crews arrived he was trying to make his way back to the shore.
“Luckily he was fine and no medical assistance was needed.”
Mr Hughes urged people to stay safe while they were out swimming on the coast.
“People should not stray too far from the shire and make sure they know what the tides are doing and only swim around the times of high water,” he said.
Anyone who spots someone in trouble along the coast should call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
