RNLI lifeguard training was cut short when they were called to rescue a fallen dog this week.

Whitesands lifeguards were undertaking paddleboard training and beach familiarisation with new team members on Wednesday (6 June), when they were called to rescue Lexie the dog, who had fallen 50ft down a cliff.

Lexie’s distressed owners approached a lifeguard on the shore after seeing their dog fall off a cliff at Porth Lleuog.

Lifeguards made their way there on the rescue paddleboards and found Lexie, at the foot of the cliff with a cut to her head and seemingly unable to move. A member of the public was also looking after her, and a local vet gave advice over the radio.

After some time Lexie began to move around slowly but it was apparent that she had injuries on her back legs.

Using a blanket as a makeshift stretcher Lexie was moved to the rescue paddle board and was floated back to the beach over breaking waves to her owners as they waited to take her to a vet.

Sam Trevor, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor for North Pembrokeshire said: “This was quite a challenging rescue for our lifeguards, some of whom haven’t yet finished their training! But the fantastic team work between the experienced supervisor Sean, lifeguards Matty, Calum and Morgan and new lifeguards Dafydd, Sean and Hywel resulted in a successful outcome.

“We treated Lexie the same way we would have treated a human casualty to bring her back safely to her owners. I would like to say the owners made the right choice by reporting Lexie’s fall to us rather than putting themselves at risk by trying to rescue her themselves. We haven’t yet heard how Lexie is but hope to find out soon.”