A total of 14 people have so far been rescued at sea this month as Walmer RNLI has announced its busiest start to August in years.

Volunteers dealt with seven incidents between August 1 to 9 as a heatwave spread across the country.

The week began with a report of a kayak in difficulty off Kingsdown, followed by two similar calls over the next few days. KentOnline was unable to establish from the RNLI whether these incidents were migrant related.

Other incidents have involved a group of fishermen struggling to get ashore against the tide off Deal Castle and two people being cut off by the rising tide near The Coastguard Restaurant in St Margaret’s Bay - for which crew received a round of applause from bathers on the beach.

Crews were also called to investigate people seen entering but not leaving the water near Deal Pier and a report of a person entering the water off the new Dover Pier.

Spokesman Chris Winslade said: "Sea safety advice was given to many of this week’s casualties highlighting the need to wear a lifejacket, carrying a means of communicating with the shore and being aware of currents which can be particularly strong.

"We would also encourage walkers to check the local tide times to avoid getting cut off by rising water."

'We would also encourage walkers to check the local tide times to avoid getting cut off by rising water.'

On launching, crew wear appropriate PPE due to the current Covid-19 pandemic and any casualties encountered are questioned about showing symptoms of the virus.

After each launch both crew kit and the lifeboats are thoroughly sanitised before being made ready for the next service.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal