A cockapoo dog had to be rescued after getting trapped in the mud on the beach.
West Kirby RNLI was called at 5pm today after a request from HM Coastguard, following a call from a member of the public.
The caller had spotted a distressed owner and friend attempting to retrieve a dog from the mud flats at West Kirby beach.
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The dog's owners had come ashore and were stood on the lake wall of West Kirby Marine Lake. They were told not to return to the beach due to the potentially treacherous muddy conditions.
The owners informed the volunteer crew that the dog was a skittish rescue dog and afraid of men.
One of the RNLI's newest volunteer crew members, Ella Marston, is a very experienced dog handler and was transferred onto the crew who then proceeded to the moorings, where the dog had last been sighted.
Upon sighting of the dog, Ella dismounted from the boat and launch vehicle and carefully walked towards the it.
She was able to reassure the dog, who by this stage was covered in mud and exhausted. The dog was transferred onboard West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat and returned to shore at Sandy Lane slipway to its awaiting owners.
Speaking following the call out, Gary Price, West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat Deputy Launch Authority said: ‘We would like to thank the member of the public who acted quickly in contacting the Coastguard and advising the casualties in the most sensible way.
"It is very easy to become trapped in mud, which can become even more dangerous when you factor in tide. In this instance the owners did the right thing by returning to shore to seek support.
"Please do call 999 and ask for the Coastguard should you suspect that anyone is in difficulty near to or on the water.’
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