A lifeboat crew had to rescue a man who had been cut off by the tide at a beach in what crews described as “treacherous” conditions.

Margate RNLI was sent to Epple Bay in Birchington at around 6pm yesterday (May 23).

The RNLI’s lifeboat and coastguard rescue teams from Margate and Herne Bay were tasked to assist with the rescue, around three miles west of Margate harbour.

Two coastguard officers wearing drysuits and lifejackets were able to find the man and reassure him while a safe rescue plan could be developed.

Evacuation of the casualty around the adjacent headlands was considered too dangerous as the tide was rising quickly.

In conditions described as “treacherous”, the group was taken on board the lifeboat and taken to safety via the sea.

Sea conditions and the rising tidal height ruled out a landing in the nearby bays, so they were taken back to Margate harbour.

After being warmed up and checked for any medical issues at the lifeboat station, the casualty was handed over to the care of coastguard officers.

Christian Wright, launch authority at Margate RNLI said: “The person did exactly the right thing in dialling 999 and talking to the coastguard as soon as he realised the seriousness of his situation.

“If people are planning a walk along the foreshore, we urge them to check the state of the tide beforehand and let someone ashore know where they are going and their expected time of return.

“Tidal information is available online or from RNLI lifeguards on manned beaches during daytime.”