AN air and sea search was launched last night amid fears a swimmer was in difficulties off Dawlish.

The panic subsided when it was established the man at the centre of the 999 scare had – unseen – safely emerged from his late evening dip.

Police said the man, who has not been named, was later traced and given ‘strong words of advice.’

He had been with a party group when he took to the water and the alarm over his whereabouts was sounded just after 9pm.

That resulted in a search and rescue helicopter scouring the coast together with the crew of the Teignmouth inshore lifeboat.

Police were also drafted in to make checks on land.

The all clear was given at 10pm when the man was found safe and well on dry land.