David Blaine has laughed off reports he was rescued by lifeguards after a swimming stunt went wrong in New York on Sunday.

The illusionist ignored warnings not to venture into the sea around the Hamptons after Hurricane Bill narrowly missed the state over the weekend.

Blaine was allegedly out of his depth in the water and had to be helped to shore by two lifeguards - but he denies needing their assistance, insisting he made it out on his own.

He tells New York Post gossip column PageSix, "We just went for a little swim. The hurricane had subsided. I did swim back by myself. There were cameramen all around. If they (lifeguards) saved me, wouldn't there have been pictures?"

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)