THREE men swimming in the fading light were left clinging to a buoy for safety, at Lepe Spit.

The incident was attended by Cowes RNLI lifeboat, who dashed across the Solent last night to help.

The casualties, described as young men, had been swimming in the fading light towards the shore with a kayak and a small inflatable dinghy.

The alarm was raised when they were spotted clinging to the Lepe Spit buoy.

After ensuring the men safely reached the shore, the lifeboat returned to station.