A DOG and its owner were saved from the sea after the pet got into trouble chasing a seagull.
Harry Blackman, 25, came to the rescue of the pooch named Coco– and the owner who had swum out to save her – off Bexhill beach on Tuesday afternoon
Mr Blackman paddled his boat out into the sea to save the pair after being alerted to the trouble by a woman on the beach.
He said: “They were very far out, the reason was that the dog had jumped in trying to chase after a seagull.
“But every time the dog would get close, the seagull would fly away.
“The owner, Glen, then jumped in to get the dog back but the dog kept swimming further and further away.”
Mr Blackman was on the beach to use the boat, built with his father Glenn over lockdown, for its maiden voyage.
But instead, he was tasked with using the vessel, fashioned out of two kayaks, to rescue the pair “very far out” in the sea.
Video captured the moment Mr Blackman jumped into the boat and paddled his way out to the man and his dog.
He said: “A lady came running over saying her husband and dog were out there – I could not believe how far out they were.
“It took me a good ten minutes to get to them.
“I grabbed the dog and got her up into the kayak and got my life vest onto Glen, who I towed back to shore.
“The dog was absolutely knackered when we got back to shore.
“They were very grateful and Glen and the dog were OK.
“They have even offered me the chance to use their beach hut.”
The RNLI issues “float to live” advice if you find yourself in trouble in the water.
Tempting
A spokesman said: “It’s tempting to try and swim to safety but you should always stay with your kit as it will keep you afloat and make you easier to find.
“If you fall into water, fight your instinct to thrash around.
“Lean back, extend your arms and legs.
“If you need to, gently move them around to help you float.
“Float until you can control your breathing. Only then, call for help or swim to safety.”
Although there are not lifeguard patrols on every beach, RNLI lifeboat crews, MCA Coastguards and helicopters are at the ready to answer every call for help, 24/7.
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