The RNLI is asking dog owners when enjoying the coast and inland waters to consider the dangers that may not be immediately noticeable.

In 2015 the RNLI launched 77 times to incidents involving dogs and many of them ended up with the owners also getting into difficulty themselves.

Provisional statistics for 2016 show no let-up in these figures: as of the start of August lifeboats had launched 58 times to similar incidents. 

Guy Addington, community incident reduction manager, said: ’By following a few simple steps dog owners can help reduce the number of these types of incidents can be reduced and keep themselves from further danger:

’If your dog swims out too far, don’t go after them. Move to a place they can get to safely and call them. Most will get back by themselves.

’Always keep a dog on a lead when walking close to cliff edges. If they fall do not go in after them.

’If your dog gets stuck in mud, don’t go in after them. Move to a place they can get to safely and call them. Most will get back by themselves.

’If you are worried, call 999 and ask for the coastguard’.