The 13 Kent Police officers were trained on the River Medway

The 13 officers will use rigid inflatable boats, having been trained by the Royal Yachting Association.

Kent Police hope they will cut down on cases of beach hut arson, pier jumping, binge drinking and the use of jet-skis in water set aside for bathers.

They think the boats will be essential because offenders are often in boats.

'Ruin people's fun'

Officers say the police boats will be able to quickly pull up alongside any offenders who are afloat.

They will also issue safety advice where needed and be on the look-out for stolen boats.

Sgt Garry Brimson, one of the officers trained in the past week on the River Medway, said: "Our message is - please enjoy yourself, but if you ruin other people's fun or ignore the restrictions, then we are prepared and equipped to deal with you."

The officers will work alongside other organisations including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.