Giant Schnauzer rescued after swimming 200m out to sea

Bertie was safely returned to his owners after swimming more than 200m out to sea

A dog has been rescued after swimming more than 200m (656ft) out to sea.

Bertie, a five-year-old Giant Schnauzer, was enjoying the water at Newport beach, Pembrokeshire.

But it soon became clear he was not going to turn around, and had his sights on nearby Dinas Head.

Owner Kate Wagg feared she had lost him, but the RNLI used a rescue board to try to get to him.

Elen Hill, from the RNLI, paddled on a rescue board to Bertie, who was by then more than 200m from the coast.

Bertie was tired, but due to his size, Elen was unable to get him on the board.

With the help of a windsurfer, she managed to get him to the beach, but had to hold on to his collar to keep his head from going underwater.

Bertie's owner Ms Wagg, was very "thankful" after the rescue on 27 July, saying: "We honestly thought we'd lost him.

"Without Elen's bravery the outcome could have been very different."

The RNLI, who train staff and volunteers in rescuing animals from the sea, urged the public to contact the coastguard or lifeguard if their pet gets into trouble.