A family of four and their dog were walking along Wells beach on Sunday, December 29 and had become cut off by the tide.

While the family were able to wade to safety, their dog was unable to follow them back and remained stranded on the seaward part of the beach as the tide continued to rise.

Olive, an airedale terrier, attempted to swim across the channel to the beach but encountered difficulties.

The Wells inshore lifeboat launching to rescue the dog (Image: RNLI/Ray West)

One of the members of the family then entered the water and attempted to rescue the dog.

The Wells inshore lifeboat was called to assist and upon arrival, the lifeboat found that the dog owner had managed to bring the dog to the shore. However, the dog was suffering from the cold and had stopped breathing.

A member of the crew started chest compressions on Olive and was able to resuscitate her.

The dog was quickly transferred to the boathouse crew room, where it was warmed up and a crew member who is a vet, checked the dog over and she appeared ok following the ordeal.

Tom, Olive's owner, said: "We could not be more grateful for the rescue and support we received by the brilliant lifeboat crew and on shore team.

"Their professionalism, kindness and care was inspirational and we cannot thank them enough for saving Olive’s life and bringing us to safety."

Nurse and crew member Simon Parkes explained: "I am used to resuscitating humans but never a dog. It was a huge relief when Olive started slowly breathing.

"Then a great team effort, both inshore and shore crew, getting her back to the boathouse to warm her up. What a relief when Olive was able to walk out with her family."

© Eastern Daily Press