Surf lifeguards say it's important to check the conditions when at the beach with animals. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Surf lifeguards are warning doggy paddle does not cut it in a rip after they rescued a much loved pet at Sunset Beach in Port Waikato on Sunday.
Surf Lifesaving's manager for the Northern Region Chase Cahalane said lifeguards came to the aid when a dog owner tried to save their pet from a rip and got into trouble in the water.
He said it was important to check the conditions when at the beach with animals.
"Don't just assume your dog can swim out of a rip. Like humans, animals will struggle and can get into trouble in difficult water conditions."
Cahalane said it was a quieter weekend with surf lifeguards completing 11 rescues and helping 15 people to safety.
"Lower rescue numbers are no cause to become complacent. As patrols begin to close over the coming weeks, we urge people to stay out of the water if they have any doubts at all about their ability to float and return to shore safely in the conditions."
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