A dog walker who helped to rescue a girl swept into the sea has called for improved safety measures along the coast to prevent future tragedies.

Michael Johnson was walking with his family in Dymchurch on Sunday when he saw the teenage girl being knocked off her feet by a big wave breaking against the sea wall.

It happened just yards from where nine-year-old Connor McDonald tragically lost his life after he fell into the sea in October.

Mr Johnson, 46, from Chestfield near Whitstable, took action along with two other men, including the girl's stepfather to rescue her from the water.

He said: “The big wave just came up from below her and whipped her away into the sea.

“There were families ahead of us and families behind, it doesn’t bear thinking about. It was like something out of a horror film.

“She banged her head on the way into the sea and I was watching it unfold. I passed my dog to my mother-in-law and jumped in after her. I just saw her going under, it was horrific.

“I dived in and grabbed her arm and put my arm under her head. I just couldn’t pull her out of the sea. There was no way back up. I got smashed against the steps by the waves.

“The sea wall was so slippery. I saw some railings further along and with all my might I was able to push her along the wall.

“Another kind man helped me get her out of the water. I could see people’s faces and the fear in my family’s eyes. It was a nightmare.”

Mr Johnson said the 16-year-old girl was eventually helped out of the water and she was attended to by paramedics while other onlookers had brought blankets to help her.

She was treated by paramedics before being taken to the William Harvey Hospital for further treatment.

Her mother confirmed she had been taken to hospital after becoming unconscious following being taken out of the water.

Mr Johnson was greeted by his relieved family who took him for hot fish and chips before returning home for a hot bath.

Now he has called for action to improve safety at the promenade, and believes the girl had a lucky escape.

He added: “The sea was very rough and there were no life buoys within sight. I think it’s strange when you spend millions of pounds on sea defences, something like that should be put there.

“It could have been two more dead people as there was no way out. A life buoy would allow people standing on the promenade to pull people out of the water, or in the worst case scenario at least keep people afloat until a lifeboat arrives.

“I remembered that a little lad aged nine died in the same place, so how many people would have to die before something is done?”

Have you been affected or been involved with this incident? Contact the newsroom on 01233 895808 or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk.