Figures have revealed that of the hundreds of people helped by RNLI lifeguards during the school holidays across our region last year, half were children.

As this year's holidays get under way, the RNLI and HM Coastguard are reminding families to take care when visiting the coast and rivers in Kent.

The life-saving service is are expecting to be extremely busy again during the long summer break and are urging visitors to the coast to choose a lifeguarded beach and be aware of some basic advice to keep themselves safe.

Last year in Kent, Sussex and Hampshire lifeguards came to the aid of 495 people of which 242 were children and 65 teenagers. In particular, 299 people were aided in the Ramsgate area – 150 of whom were children and two lives were saved.

Nationally, new figures reveal that during the school summer holidays last year, of the 41 lives saved by RNLI lifeguards 39% were children under 13.

Volunteer crew member Alan Carr of the Gravesend RNLI station – which marked its 20th anniversary last weekend – also warned against swimming in any part of the River Thames.

He said: "The River Thames is not a place to swim or to cool down. It may look tempting but as a tidal river the Thames rises and falls twice a day by up to 7 metres – 23ft – meaning anyone entering the river risks hitting many of the structures and debris which lie beneath the surface. The river can flow as fast as 5mph which would overpower even an Olympic swimmer.

"Eddies and undertows caused by the uneven riverbed, bridge pillars, piers and moored vessels can suck people under in seconds. There is lots of mud to stick in too.

"Do not swim in the river but go to a lifeguarded beach."

The RNLI is urging people to choose a beach with lifeguards, where possible, and swim in the monitored area between the red and yellow flags.

Gabbi Batchelor, water safety education manager for London and the South East, added: "With an estimated 35 million people planning to visit the UK coast this summer, our lifeguards will be extremely busy during the school summer holidays with younger children, in particular, needing assistance more than any other age group.

"A simple skill we ask everyone of any age to remember is how to float to live, if they find themselves in difficulty in the water.

"Lean back like a starfish, using your arms and legs to stay afloat. This will allow you to control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. The technique has been proven to save lives."

Throughout the summer months, a children’s RNLI seaside safety advert will be broadcast on TV with a catchy song reminding those visiting the coast to float like a starfish if they find themselves in difficulty in the water.

Claire Hughes, director of HM Coastguard, said: "We are urging anyone visiting the coast and taking part in coastal activities to be aware of the dangers so they can have a safe and enjoyable summer.

"Always check the weather conditions and tide times before heading to the coast as it is very easy to find yourself quickly cut off by the tide or blown offshore.

"Whatever activity you choose to do, whether it is swimming, paddleboarding, walking or anything else near the water, look out for your friends and family to help keep each other safe.

"Please enjoy the UK’s wonderful beaches and coastline but respect their dangers and remember, in a coastal emergency, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."

The RNLI’s key water safety advice for children and teenagers is:

• Stop and think – always swim in a safe place.

• Stay together – always swim with an adult, younger children and non-swimmers should always be within arm’s reach.

• Float – if you find yourself in trouble in the water, float on your back like a starfish.

• Call 999 in an emergency and ask for the coastguard.