A quick-thinking member of the public has rescued a dog and their owner who were being swept out to sea off Herm’s Bear’s Beach.
The drama unfolded on Sunday lunchtime, with the emergency services and multiple volunteers rushing to the island before being stood down.
The first call for help was made at 12:25, nearly an hour and a half after high tide.
The St Peter Port Lifeboat, the Inshore Lifeboat, and the Flying Christine III were all in Sark at the time for the annual Sark Sea Service. They immediately headed for Herm, along with the Channel Islands Air Search aircraft.
The Inshore Lifeboat and Flying Christine were first on the scene, arriving by 12:40, but a member of the public had already helped the dog and owner back to shore.
The dog was “found to be in good health” while the paramedics on board the Flying Christine said the owner was “well and uninjured, although understandably shaken by the experience”.
A spokesperson for Guernsey Coastguard said the receding Spring tide had created a dangerous situation, which luckily had a positive outcome.
“The incident serves as a timely reminder of the speed at which tidal conditions can change around the islands and the importance of checking tide times and local conditions before visiting beaches and coastal areas,” they said.
“Guernsey Coastguard would also like to thank the member of the public who assisted, together with all responding agencies for their swift response and cooperation.”
All search and rescue assets were stood down and back on base by 13:40.
