A lifeboat station is urging the public to be vigilant after three suspected suicide attempts off Margate beach in five days.

The lifeboat was launched yesterday afternoon when police reported a man was out of his depth and in distress 200m off the town's main sands.

Crews quickly arrived and took him on board and landed on the beach where paramedics gave him first aid.

Secamb spokesman, Rich Airey, said paramedics were called by the coastguard at 5.30pm and arrived at Marine Gardens where the man was brought ashore.

He said: "It was reported a man was in the water. We had ambulance crews in one ambulance and three cars attended the scene.

"He was treated and taken in to the QEQM [in Margate]."

The man was assessed for hypothermia but no other details about his condition are available.

A police spokesman said: "Officers attended the area of Marine Terrace, Margate, shortly after 5.20pm on Tuesday, May 16 due to concern for a man who was believed to be in a distressed state.

"The man was found swimming in the sea and was returned to dry land with assistance from the coastguard.

"He was subsequently taken to a local hospital where he was given advice about the support services available to him."

The RNLI were called to the same area on Friday night and Sunday afternoon.

On Sunday, police received a call from a man saying he was going to take his own life on the main sands.

It prompted a rescue mission and the man was taken to the lifeboat station where paramedics treated him.

Now, RNLI Margate has stressed the importance of people being able to raise the alarm.

A station spokesman said: "Time is the critical element and the emergency services rely on others, including members of the public to raise the alarm if they see anything untoward.

"We urge everyone to be familiar with their location and dial 999 and ask for coastguard if they see anyone in trouble at sea or on the shoreline."

It is not known yet whether the people rescued were different each time or the same casualty.

If you would like confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans free on 116 123.