Walkers have been urged not to follow stranded pets into the sea after two men had to be rescued from waist-deep water.
Kinghorn Lifeboat, which was called to East Lothian help the stricken men on Saturday afternoon, said people should call the coastguard in an emergency rather than risk their own lives.
The Fife volunteer crew was called to the incident at the former Cockenzie Power Station at 1.35pm following a request for assistance from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
A dog had fallen over the sea wall and was stuck on the rocks below.
It’s owner and another person had tried to rescue the animal but became stranded at the bottom of the sea wall with an incoming tide.
Trainee helm Megan Davidson said, ‘We arrived to find the two casualties stuck on rocks at the base of the seawall with an incoming tide.
“The fire service had lowered ropes and lifejackets to the two males but were unable to lift them to safety over the wall which was three to four metres high.
“We were able to get close to the wall in the shallow water and each casualty was lifted into the lifeboat.
“Both were taken to Cockenzie harbour where they were checked by an ambulance crew and reunited with the dog.
“In these situations we would always recommend not entering the water and calling for help whilst keeping the stranded animal in sight.
“We appreciate that you don’t wish to see your pet in difficulty but they invariably manage to get out themselves.”
