A Coastguard unit has reported one of its busiest-ever fortnights despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

As people have rushed to the county's beaches this month to enjoy the warm weather, Herne Bay Coastguard has seen a spike in the number of people who have found themselves in difficulty at sea.

The crew has been called out 12 times, between June 15 and yesterday.

In Herne Bay, they were tasked with helping various people - including someone on a broken-down jet ski and a kite surfer who found themselves in difficulty.

The team also responded to call-outs in Whitstable, which saw them rescue a paddle boarder, search for two missing kayakers, assist a pair whose yacht was taking on water and help a kayaker in difficulty.

They also carried out a safety check on a yacht that sank in Oare Creek, Faversham, and were called out to help an injured person in Reculver.

Several of these operations were multi-agency, also involving the RNLI.

A spokesman for HM Coastguard Herne Bay said: "The last two weeks have been one of the busiest fortnights Herne Bay Search and Rescue Coastguard has seen.

"If you plan to visit the coast, please take extra care with small crafts, paddle boards or inflatables, these can easily be taken out to sea by the tide and the wind."

In a coastal emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Read more: All the latest news from Herne Bay