LAST week, a rescue mission was launched after a man entered the water to save his 12 week old puppy near Clevedon Pier.

The incident took place on Friday, November 3.

Bo, the puppy, had entered the water and found himself being swept away. He managed to make his way to the rocks by Clevedon Sailing Club. His owner then entered the water to rescue him.

Posting on Facebook, a spokesperson from the Portishead RNLI team said: "The Portishead RNLI volunteers were called to help a man who had gone in the water to rescue his 12 week old puppy which had been swept away from the beach near Clevedon Pier.

"The crew launched at 10.50am and arrived at the scene in just ten minutes to assist with the joint rescue exercise.

"Bo, the puppy, had managed to make his way to the rocks by Clevedon Sailing Club so his owner went in the sea to rescue him. Portishead RNLI, Clevedon Coastguard Rescue Team and Portishead Coastguard Rescue Team, and the St Athan Coastguard helicopter all worked together to help rescue the man and his puppy from the water.

"Once safely ashore they were checked over by the helicopter paramedic before being taken to hospital by the Ambulance Service for further checks.

"With so many of us owning a dog, it's important to remember the following precautions when walking near water:

"If your dog enters the water and gets into difficulty, DO NOT go in after them. CALL 999 and ask for the Coastguard. The lifeboat crew will always launch to a dog in difficulty in the water.

"Keep your dog on a lead if you’re close to water, this includes piers, cliffs and coastal paths.

"Carry a means of calling for help on you at all times.

"Dogs are strong swimmers, even against the tide, so you should prioritise your own safety. Move to a place where your dog can easily get itself out and call them to you."

Posting on social media on the day, a spokesperson from the Clevedon Coastguard Rescue Team added: "Today, 12 week old Bo took a swimming lesson, unfortunately without a teacher after taking a fall into the water.

"Dogs are naturally very strong swimmers, even against the tides, and Bo managed to make his way to the safety of the rocks ready for collection. Albeit a little cold."