Coastguards and lifeboat crews were called to the rescue of two kayakers who were in difficulty off the coast in Herne Bay.

They received the call after the pair were spotted off the pier head at 4pm yesterday (Tuesday).

Herne Bay Coastguard deputy station manager Matt Stickels said: “Once on the scene it appeared that one of the casualties had entered the water to try to swim ashore.

“Once Whitstable lifeboat had arrived they ascertained that the person in the water was in fact just having a swim, and the person in the kayak was there to assist if needed.

“We remained on the scene until they were returned to the shore, and gave them some safety advice.

“If you want to have a long swim then it is advisable to swim parallel to the shore, at no more than 100 metres from the beach.”