A four-year-old boy has been rescued after being swept out to sea on an inflatable.

The child had been in the sea at Joss Bay in Broadstairs when the wind swept him out "extremely quickly".

Fortunately, RNLI lifeguard Mowgli Palmer, who was working on the beach, spotted the boy in difficulty and quickly jumped into action using a rescue board to swim out and assist the child.

The boy was shaken and worried about falling into the water, but Mowgli reassured him and encouraged him onto the rescue board before bringing him safely ashore to his mother.

The incident, which happened last week, has sparked a warning from the RNLI to members of the public not to bring inflatables to the beach.

Sam Woodard, lead lifeguard supervisor, says while it's great to see so many people enjoying the beaches this year, it is important to remember that inflatables are not suitable for use at the beach.

"They can be very easily swept out to sea in the wind or tide and people can often be in danger before they know it," he said.

"We ask that people leave their inflatable toys at home and use those at the pool instead."

Last month, a woman and four children on a small inflatable had to be rescued by the Ramsgate RNLI inshore lifeboat after drifting from Ramsgate Main Sands, ending up at the back of the East Pier, below Port Control.

The tide was strong at two to three knots making it impossible to paddle against it.

Two other women had spotted they were in trouble and managed to swim round to assist them.

"Although a courageous act, this again could have put the rescuers in trouble," an RNLI spokesman said.

"Their plan was to climb back up the break wall to safety but the RNLI crew advised against this and ferried the two helpers back to the main beach and then the family were taken to the RNLI station where safety advice was given.

"The inflatable remained at the station for our disposal."

The RNLI says if you are in trouble in the water and have an inflatable, hold onto it and call for help.

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