Familiar yellow and red uniforms will be seen at beaches across Thanet this weekend as RNLI lifeguards return.

The patrols will begin on Saturday, July 9, to mark the beginning of the peak summer season.

Lifeguards will be in action from 10am until 6pm everyday until September 4.

Margate Main Sands, Joss Bay, Botany Bay and Viking Bay have been manned since May half term.

And now, with the school holidays approaching, Minnis Bay, St Mildreds, West Bay, Westbrook Bay, Stone Bay and Ramsgate Main Sands will also have full-time patrols.

RNLI lifeguard manager James Uren said: "The past few weeks have been spent welcoming back old faces, training up new recruits and ensuring our equipment is ready for action.

"Last year we rescued 27 people and gave safety advice to more than 90,000 members of the public.

"When you arrive at the beach, familiarise yourself with the red and yellow flags.

"These will mark the safest place to swim but depending on tides and the weather, this area may change daily, so speak to a lifeguard if you have any questions."

This will be the fifth consectuive year RNLI lifeguards will have patrolled Thanet's coastline full time.

Beaches on the Isle of Sheppey will also be manned by the RNLI at Leysdown-on-Sea, Minster and Sheerness, for the fourth year running.