After swimmers fled the sea following a shark sighting in Herne Bay, just how safe has it been to return to the water?

Well, judging from the reactions of those enjoying a day at beach, it seems the fears over last week’s unwelcome seaside visitor have subsided.

Lifeguards were on patrol as families packed the seafront to make the most of heatwave conditions that have sent temperatures soaring to near record-levels.

While the north Kent coast has previously seen plenty of large marine life pay a visit, including harmless basking sharks and seals, concerns emerged that this could have been a more deadly marine species.

Cameron Hunt, 24, from St Mary’s Road, Faversham, said: “I heard about it on Facebook – I’ve not heard of sharks being round here before.

“It’s the kind of thing that gets people on edge, but I don’t think It would put me off going in the water. But I can’t at the moment anyway, as I have injured my foot!

Kara Millington, from Dartford, enjoyed a swim off Herne Bay this week and wasn’t too concerned. She said: “I wasn’t that worried about it.

“I’ve heard about whales in the Thames, but this is the first time I had heard about a shark round here. I think it’s rare that anything would happen.”

Fellow swimmer Jack Brewster, from Chatham, added: “I heard about it on the KentOnline website and thought it was a pretty interesting story.

“I’ve heard about a whale being washed up in Kent once, but not a shark. I don’t think I was that phased by it.

“I don’t usually go in the water, but I don’t think this has put me off, as it’s very rare that you hear of problems.”