19 July: Blackpool, Lancashire When a dog got into difficulty near Blackpool’s North Pier, the lifeboat crew launched in their D class and brought the pet to safety, much to the gratitude of its owner. As well as saving the life of an animal, rescues like these prevent concerned people from putting themselves in danger.

* If you have a soft spot for dogs, deer, dolphins and other animals, you’ll love our collection of RNLI animal rescue videos made in celebration of World Animal Day on 4 October. Watch the rescues online at RNLI.org/animals.