Sheppey Coastguards were called to reports of a kite surfer in difficulty in stormy conditions.

The four-strong team was sent to the shingle bank at Minster at 5.30pm by Dover Coastguards and found the surfer still at sea.

Coastguard spokesman Tim Judge said: "When the team arrived, the kite surfer came back in. We gave him safety advice and reminded him of the government guidelines on the lockdown."

The would-be rescue coincided with a plea by the the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) for the public to stay away from the sea this bank holiday to reduce the risk to the lifesaving charity’s volunteer crews and other emergency services being exposed to Covid-19 and the pressure on their time.

Gareth Morrison, the charity's head of water safety, said: "We know people who live near the coast still want to exercise by the sea but when you do this, please think of the potential impact of your actions on RNLI lifeboat volunteers and other emergency services.

"While you could be fully competent and never need to be rescued, by going out on the water you could encourage others who are less proficient to take part in similar activities.

"Since lockdown was introduced around the UK coast our lifeboats have been called out all too often to rescue people. If you do go for a walk or a run at the coast, please follow the RNLI’s safety advice."

Not everyone agreed with the warning to stay away from the sea.

One person writing on the Sheppey Beach Users Forum on Facebook said: "Windy on Minster cliffs. Saw a sailboarder. Nice chap. Has to avoid the police. Ridiculous. More socially distant than anyone!"

But Ian Arnell, Swale council's seaside manager, replied: "It's more about the rescue services like the RNLI who are putting themselves at risk to save people getting into difficulties. Having been on the lifeboats, I can assure you there's no room for social distancing."

And Mr Judge added: "When other people see him they will want to go windsurfing, kite surfing, fishing and swimming. The others will want to have a picnic on the beach and before you know it, the beach will be packed and social distancing will be impossible."

Safety advice includes:

Take care near cliffs - know your route and your limitations;

Check the weather forecast and tide times;

If you fall into the water unexpectedly float to live. Fight your instinct to thrash around. Lean back, extend your arms and legs and float.

In any coastal emergency dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

Mr Morrison added: "Our lifeboat crews are still ready 24/7. Sadly though, we can't arrange fundraising events, open our shops or welcome people to lifeboat stations at the moment so our ability to raise funds has been severely impacted. This could be the biggest storm the RNLI has ever faced."

To donate, visit www.rnli.org/donate

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