Boca Ciega Bay, FL – A dog was brought to safety in Pinellas County after a man spotted the animal struggling in Boca Ciega Bay and entered the water to help.
Video from the incident showed the dog swimming in open water and appearing unable to reach shore without assistance.
The man noticed the animal and made his way into the bay before reaching the dog and helping guide it back toward land.
It was not immediately clear how the dog ended up in the water or how long it had been swimming before the rescue began.
Footage showed the animal continuing to paddle as the man approached. He was eventually able to reach the dog and help bring it out of the water.
No serious injuries to the dog were reported in the initial coverage.
The identity of the man who carried out the rescue was not immediately released in the report.
Information about the dog’s owner was also not available, and officials did not disclose whether the animal had escaped from a nearby property, fallen into the water or entered the bay under other circumstances.
Boca Ciega Bay is located along the Gulf Coast in Pinellas County and borders several communities in the St. Petersburg area.
No arrests, citations or criminal investigation were reported in connection with the incident.
The rescue ended with the dog safely out of the water, and no injuries to the rescuer were reported.
Additional details about the circumstances surrounding the incident were not immediately available.