Rescue crews swung into action after three swimmers were feared missing in the Swale.

The Herne Bay Coastguard Rescue Team was called after the alarm was raised by friends who last saw the group at Harty Ferry, near Faversham.

A coastguard helicopter and Whitstable's RNLI Lifeboat were also deployed in the search.

Two of the swimmers were soon found near the entrance to Faversham Creek, who confirmed that the third had made his own way back to shore.

A spokesman for the Maritine & Coastguard Agency said: "We had a call at around 10am on Sunday.

"Herne Bay Coastguard Rescue Team, Whitstable RNLI lifeboat and HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Lydd were all sent to the scene.

"Swimmers were found safe and well and didn’t need rescuing. Herne Bay Coastguard Rescue Team gave some safety advice to the swimmers."

A second search operation was launched later in the day after three children were reported missing at Neptune's Arm, Herne Bay.

However RNLI and coastguard teams were quickly stood down when the children were found safe and well.