Exmouth RNLI crews came to the aid of dog in difficulty in strong surf and a kite surfer they spotted from the station at the weekend.

On Saturday (February 24) they received reports at 2pm that a spaniel had fallen into the water and had scrambled onto a ledge on Langstone Rock at Dawlish Warren.

The inshore lifeboat George Bearman II was launched and arrived at the scene, two miles away, within eight minutes.

A spokesman said: “One of the crew climbed onto the ledge and recovered the dog to the tearful owner who had wisely not entered the water herself and instead had called 999 for help. Crew volunteers gave safety advice for the future.”

Torbay and Teignmouth mobile Coastguard teams arrived as they were handing the dog over.

The following day, the crews were ending a familiarisation training session at the lifeboat station when they witnessed a kite-surfer half a mile west of the boathouse. George Bearman II launched at 12.10pm to investigate.

On scene within two minutes, they found the kite surfer had been separated from his board and was grateful to be recovered ashore to the beach to safety.

The spokesman added: “The conditions were challenging with a swell of 1.5 metres and an approximate sea temperature of eight degrees.

“Volunteers continued to monitor two windsurfers also thought to be in difficulty, but a further launch was not needed.”

Exmouth RNLI community safety officer Dave Littlefield said: “Consider surfing in small groups of at least twos, so you can watch out for one another.

“Never ride out further than you can swim back.

“Take means of communication with you in case you find yourself in difficulty and always tell someone you are going out and when you will be back.”