PEOPLE are taking to the sea despite the coronavirus outbreak, ignoring an urgent plea from the RNLI to stay home.

Alarmed residents were shocked to see paddleboarders, kitesurfers and rowers take to the waves, putting lives at risk.

The RNLI is urging everyone to follow Government instructions to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives, and to not take part in any water based activity on or in the sea.

This is to reduce the risk to the lifesaving charity’s volunteer crews and other front line emergency services being exposed to Covid-19, and the pressure on their time.

Meanwhile Dorset Police have told residents not to go into the sea or drive to beaches.

Commenting on kitesurfers at Portland's Hamm Beach, Ed Watkinson said: "Really annoying as we are all staying at home - there are hundreds of people that would like to do what this guy is doing, but don't.

"Also it just takes one for people to think it's ok, and tomorrow there will be two and the next day four, etc."

Lesley Maxwell said: "I was surprised, and annoyed, to see two paddleboarders making their way through Portland Harbour and then out into Weymouth Bay.

"Clearly there is no problem with regard to social distancing; however, should they get into difficulty on the water, they are then risking the lives of themselves and others who would be involved in a rescue at sea."

Gareth Morrison, head of water safety at the RNLI, said: "We know people who live at the coast still want to exercise by the sea, but when you do this, please think of the potential impact of your actions on RNLI lifeboat volunteers and other emergency services.

"While you could be fully competent and never needed to be rescued, by going out on the water you could encourage others who are less proficient to take part in similar activities.

"Since lockdown was introduced around the UK coast, our lifeboats have been called out all too often to rescue people. So if you do go for a walk or a run at the coast, please follow the RNLI’s safety advice."

The RNLI said coronavirus 'could be the biggest storm it has ever faced' as all fundraising activity is put on hold and shops are closed.

To support lifeboat crews visit www.rnli.org/donate

Police have issued the following guidelines to clear up any confusion:

Q: I can walk to the beach. Can I still go for a swim?

A: The RNLI has stated that as there are no lifeguards on our regions’ beaches it is not recommended that you exercise in the sea.

Our emergency services are already stretched and should a lifeboat crew be called to an incident in the water, it would put unnecessary pressure on volunteers and other frontline services being exposed to Covid-19 (coronavirus).

Q: Can I go canoeing for my daily exercise?

A: British Canoeing, the national governing body for canoeing in the United Kingdom, has issued this statement:

In light of the government’s Stay at Home measures and following new guidance issued by the Environment Agency and Canal & River Trust, which impacts the usage of waterways, British Canoeing has further revised its position and now strongly recommends that all paddlesport activity should immediately cease on rivers, waterways and coastal areas until further notice.

Read the latest advice on the British Canoeing website.

Q: Can I go surfing for my daily exercise?

A: You should not be driving to the beach to go surfing.

The RNLI has stated that as there are no lifeguards on our regions' beaches it is not recommended that you exercise in the sea.

Our emergency services are already stretched and should a lifeboat crew be called to an incident in the water, it would put unnecessary pressure on our volunteers and other front line services being exposed to Covid-19 (coronavirus).

For these reasons, Dorset Police does not recommend that people go surfing.

Q: Can I go angling for my daily exercise?

A: DEFRA recently put out an update stating that the Angling Trust and Environment Agency has suspended all angling activity until further notice.

An online resource hub has been created to support the angling community which has further FAQs, information and resources, it can be viewed at joinanglingtrust.net