Those heading to the Kent coast following the government's easing of lockdown measures are being urged to stay safe due to the absence of lifeguards.

The latest guidance, which came into effect on Wednesday, allows people to do unlimited exercise outdoors, travel to the coast and use the water for activities such as swimming, kayaking, surfing, boating and angling – providing they stick to the social distancing rules.

The RNLI is warning those who are planning on visiting beaches that, at present, there are no RNLI lifeguards on duty, including on Sheppey and in Thanet.

Although its volunteer lifeboat crews are still operating, there are no lifeguards on beaches, so the charity is urging people to take extra care when out and about.

A spokesman said: "This will also help to reduce the demands placed on our lifeboat crews and other emergency services including HM Coastguard.

"In this way we can all work together to succeed in ensuring the coast is a safe place to visit."

Lifeguards were due to be rolled out across Kent's beaches from next weekend but, due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is not yet known when the service will resume.

The spokesman said: "Roll-out of the normal seasonal lifeguard service was paused at the end of March due to the measures put in place by the government to control the spread of coronavirus."

The charity said it was working with local authorities and beach owners in the hope that it could provide a lifeguard service on around 30% of the beaches it usually covers this summer.

"Re-establishing this infrastructure and distributing equipment to beaches will take time," the spokesman said. "We must also make sure that conditions are safe for our lifeguards to provide an effective service - our priority remains to be the safety of our people and the public."

The charity is urging anyone planning a visit to the coast to follow this safety advice:

• Take care near cliffs – know your route and your limitations

• Have a plan – 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

• If individuals are choosing to go sailing or yachting it is important to ensure that equipment is properly checked and serviceable before going afloat

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

Read more: All the latest news from Kent