VOLUNTEERS from emergency services came to the aid of a tourist and her dog who had been experiencing difficulties in the sea, having been cut off by the tide. 

Both members from the Coastguard and Silloth RNLI came to the aid of the woman and her pet as they were stranded at Mawbray beach, resulting in the casualty suffering from mild hypothermia on Sunday, July 17. 

Silloth RNLI received the call around 12:45pm and were aided by the help of a local experienced swimmer. 

A spokesperson from Silloth RNLI said: "The lifeboat was making its way to Mawbray, where there were two people waist deep in a fast flowing incoming tide. Onlookers at Mawbray had seen someone with a dog, in difficulties in the sea, having been cut off by the tide. They called on a local, experienced swimmer to go and assist them. The Coastguard had also been informed.

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"Against the advice of the RNLI generally but obviously out of concern for the casualty and their dog, the local man swam out to the casualty, who by this time was in real danger.

"The lifeboat arrived on scene at 12:58 but due to the state of the tide, was having trouble reaching both people. The helmsman Chris Clark, skilfully manoeuvred the boat, having to negotiate the sandbanks and lack of water, getting as close to the casualty as possible. A member of the lifeboat crew got into the water and waded chest deep through the sea to reach the casualty and helped her and her dog back to the lifeboat. The local man was also guided to the boat," they said. 

Once on board to safety, the casualty was wrapped in protective equipment, and both people were safely brought back to Silloth lifeboat station at around 1:30pm, where there were Coastguards from Maryport, Burgh and Whitehaven, waiting for them. 

"The casualty, who was on holiday in the area, was extremely cold and suffering from mild hypothermia. The dog was also stressed having swallowed a considerable amount of sea water. The local man, who had gone to assist, was fine and well. An ambulance from Whitehaven was in attendance and treated the casualty on their arrival. 

"This rescue involved a large number of people from different services across the county, all working together and pooling their skills.

"The casualty and the dog made a good recovery and after some time were allowed home," they said. 

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