A person was rescued from the sea at Aberavon beach during the early hours of Saturday after being spotted by a fisherman.
RNLI crews at Port Talbot were alerted to reports of a person in the water at the end of the pier just before 2.30am on Saturday.
The lifeboat was launched and was at the Neath Port Talbot beach within 10 minutes.
The person was pulled out of the water and into the lifeboat before receiving treatment from coastguards before being taken to hospital as a precaution.
RNLI crews have praised the fisherman who "undoubtedly saved a life" after spotting the person in the water and reporting the incident to the coastguard.
An ambulance was also called to the scene.
In a statement, RNLI Port Talbot said: "At 2.23am this morning the Lifeboat was requested by the UK Coastguard for an immediate launch to a person in the water off the end of the pier at Aberavon beach.
"Within 10 minutes the lifeboat was on scene and located the casualty, who was swiftly recovered to the lifeboat and handed over to Port Talbot and Porthcawl coastguard, who then administered casualty care until the ambulance arrived.
"Casualty was taken to hospital as a precaution for check up.
"We would like to thank the fisherman that reported this incident to the coastguard by calling 999, you undoubtedly saved a life.
"Remember if you see anyone in trouble call 999, ask for the coastguard."
