Largs RNLI launches to help boy and his dog in the water

The dog had swum out and was not returning so the boy entered the water after it.

The volunteer crew launched the lifeboat R.A.Wilson and began to make best speed towards the given location.

While on route the lifeboat volunteers were notified the boy’s dad had also entered the water and luckily all three had been able to safely get back out of the water. The father and son pair and their dog were now in the care of the local Coastguard Rescue Team.

Largs lifeboat then returned to the lifeboat station where it was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service.

Claire McRae, Volunteer Press Officer at Largs RNLI, explained: ‘As a dog owner myself, I know just how frightening it can be to see your dog struggling in the water.

‘Your first instinct is often to go after them, but that's when people can quickly find themselves in danger too.

‘If your dog gets into difficulty in the water or becomes stuck in mud, move to a safe place where they can reach you and call them. In many cases, they'll be able to make their own way back to safety.

‘It can be incredibly hard to stand back when your pet is in trouble, but it's important not to enter the water or mud after them.

‘By staying safe yourself and calling for help if they're unable to get out, you give both yourself and your dog the best chance of a safe outcome.

‘In a coastal, beach or cliff emergency you should always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

For more advice on keeping your dog safe at the beach visit: https://rnli.org/safety/beach-safety/dogs-at-the-beach

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Claire McRae, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Scotland, [email protected]

Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.