Stranded dog rescued from rising tide by coastguard

A dog which became stranded on a sandbank off the coast of Wirral was rescued by the coastguard.

A large crowd gathered near Leasowe Lighthouse after the dog, named Lola, had become cut off off by a fast-rising tide.

Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team attended the scene on Monday afternoon and brought the frightened animal to safety.

Team leader Paul Ambrose reminded the public of the dangers of attempting to make their own rescue attempts.

"Dogs are part of our families, and it's natural to want to help them when they're in danger, but entering the water to save a pet can put human lives at serious risk," he said.

"The best action is to stay put, keep eyes on the dog, and call 999 asking for the coastguard."

Lola had slipped her lead during a walk and dashed onto the beach, the team said in a post on Facebook.

Steph McCahill, who raised the alarm, said some people had considered trying to swim out to the dog, before the coastguard arrived and launched a rescue sled.

Lola, still spooked, eventually began swimming toward rescuers and was safely brought aboard.

Ms McCahill described the rescue teams as "absolute heroes".

"Without their swift action this afternoon, this little dog would have drowned," she said.

"Thank goodness it all ended positively."

Mr Ambrose said: "A fantastic team effort all around, well done everyone."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.