Troon inshore lifeboat assists in dog rescue at Saltcoats

The volunteer crew attended at the lifeboat station and launched the D class inshore lifeboat Sheena to assist the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team who had also been tasked.

As the lifeboat crew made their way to the scene an update was received from Belfast Coastguard advising there was a risk of persons entering the water in an attempt to help the dog.

On arrival at Saltcoats, the dog and a member of the public who had entered the water were being assisted by a member of the Coastguard Rescue Team on the rocky shoreline. To assist the coastguard team, the inshore lifeboat crew were able to recover all persons from the rocks to a more suitable location.

With all persons, and the dog, now safely ashore, the lifeboat crew were able to stand down and return to Troon where the inshore lifeboat was recovered and made ‘Ready for Service’ with the assistance of the shore crew.

Please don’t get yourself into danger while trying to rescue a family pet from the water.

It's important to keep yourself safe when you walk your dog at the coast. Please remember:

• Keep your dog on a lead if you are close to cliff edges or fast flowing rivers.
• If your dog goes into the water or gets stuck in mud, don't go after it. Move to a place that your dog can get to safely and call their name - they'll probably get out by themselves.
• If you're worried about your dog, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

RNLI Media Contacts: Andrew Limond, volunteer lifeboat press officer at Troon, 01292 314414 lifeboattroon@gmail.com

Henry Weaver, RNLI Press Officer for Scotland, 01738 642946, 07771 943026, henry_weaver@rnli.org.uk

Gemma McDonald, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 01738 642956, 07826 900639, gemma_mcdonald@rnli.org.uk

Or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.