Dog is saved from drowning by RNLI after being swept out to sea

Shaddah, a black Labrador, had been playing fetch with his owner on the beach at Seaton Sluice in Northumberland when the ball went into the water.

The pet dog was saved by courageous RNLI crew after it was then swept out to sea by powerful currents. 

The dog had gone into the North Sea after the ball when he got into difficulties after swimming out too far.

The RNLI Blyth Lifeboat team plucked Shaddah the black Labrador from the water after the alarm was raised by his worried owner

Volunteers from RNLI Blyth launched the inflatable D class lifeboat to reach the beloved pet, who was well out of his depth.

The wet dog was hauled onto the boat and dried off before being safely returned to his owner, who was anxiously watching from the shore.

Posting the video on the RNLI Facebook page, the maritime charity said warned owners that they should not follow their pets into the sea.

'Shaddah's not the sharpest knife in the drawer, so when he ran into the sea to fetch a ball and then kept going, his owner faced a dilemma - try to rescue Shaddah, or do something else?

'They called the RNLI. If you're dog-walking close to cliff edges or fast flowing rivers, put them on a lead.

'Elsewhere, if they fall in the water or get stuck in mud, don't go after them.

'Move to a place they can get to safely, and call - they'll probably get out. If you're worried, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.'