The Coast Guard and SPCA are launching a campaign to educate dog owners about what not to do when walking a dog on Northern California beaches. Five people have died in three separate incidents this winter trying to rescue dogs from the surf. The Coast Guard's Pamela Boehland said a few simple rules can keep you safe.

"Stay off the low lying areas, stay off the rocks, stay off the jettys," Boehland said. "Never turn our back to the ocean, and be as careful as possible. Don't underestimate the beautiful Pacific Ocean, because although it's really fun to look at, if you get too close these waves, they come and they catch you off guard and they pull you out to sea."

Boehland also cautions people not to go into the water after your dog -- or another person. Keep an eye on their location and call 9-1-1 for help.  

In most cases, the Coast Guard says, dogs are better swimmers than even an expertly trained human.  

The education campaign is a joint project with the National Park Service.