The coastguard’s search and rescue helicopter were scrambled to assist lifeboat crews after reports of someone struggling in the sea which turned out to be a false alarm this afternoon.
Sussex Police were also called to the beach by the King Alfred Leisure Centre.
However, after two hours of searching, it was found to be a false alarm.
A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Police were called just after midday on Tuesday, October 25 due to concerns being raised for a possible person in the water at Hove.
“Officers attended the scene along with HM Coastguard and it was found to be a false alarm with good intent. The search was stopped and all teams stood down.”
We were eating an ice cream at Morocco’s today and saw a large seal in the water about 15 metres from the shore at around the same time the emergency call was made. This could have been what the caller saw