Climate protesters planning to defy official advice not to stage a raft regatta on the River Medway are putting themselves at risk, police have warned.
Campaigners aim to launch a flotilla of themed rafts, from pirate ships to Viking boats made from recycled materials, to travel to Kingsnorth as part of the day of mass action.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Beautridge of Kent Police said: "We hav
e repeatedly and publicly warned of the folly of trying to cross the Medway, a busy tidal river with dangerous currents and mud flats.
"Protesters are not only putting themselves in danger, but also the people who may have to come to their aid."
Colin Ingram, of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, maintained anyone falling into the water could get hypothermia within 45 minutes.
Medway Ports enacted a special direction under river by-laws on Thursday banning the staging of a procession or regatta on safety grounds.
However, Camp for Climate Action participants maintained strict guidelines were being adhered to.
Spokeswoman Jessica Glynn said: "Nobody is allowed to participate if they have not had full health and safety training and are not wearing life jackets.
"The last thing we want to do is injure ourselves or anyone else.
"We are still planning to go ahead with it, people have been preparing for this for a long time. We are determined to reach Kingsnorth by land, sea and air."
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