WE know a dog is a man’s (and woman’s) best friend and it must have been heartbreaking for Joanne Nelson and her three children to have had to watch helplessly as their pet Foxy struggled to stay afloat in Entwistle Reservoir.

They had walked their dogs in the area for 14 years and never previously had any problems.

It was a situation that required immediate action and the appearance at the crucial moment of RSPCA worker Julie Vickers must have been like the answer to a prayer.

She knew exactly what to do – she swam out, put a lead around the dog’s neck and pulled it out of the water to safety.

This was an act of bravery for which Julie should be congratulated.

But it also highlights the inherent dangers for humans as well as animals that lie in reservoirs, canals and other waterways across East Lancashire.

Whenever there is a hot spell it seems someone gets into trouble.

Children out of school or adults, sometimes after drinking alcohol, frequently find themselves in real danger.

Hot weather and cold water can be a deadly mix.