The coastguard helicopter was called to reports a group of people were being washed out to sea riding on an inflatable.

The chopper was scrambled this afternoon off the Thanet coast.

The crew joined the RNLI teams from Margate and Ramsgate inshore lifeboats and HM Coastguard to carry out a search of the coastline.

An inflatable was found but no people were on board.

The casualties were then found on the beach and an ambulance joined the emergency services to check the people over.

A spokesman from the Margate coastguard station said: "The rescue helicopter landed and the paramedic with the assistance of a local coastguard officer assisted to make sure all was well.

"Thankfully this was a good outcome. We cannot stress enough how dangerous inflatables can be on the beach.

"Please if you are going to use them have them tethered to the shore so they do not blow away."

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