Nick Warren, 57, got into difficulties as he tried to reach his black Labrador in stormy conditions off Wellington Parade in Kingsdown, on Sunday.
He was rescued by lifeboat crews but died at Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital, Margate, later.
Lisa Rogers described her father as "my mate" and said she wished he had thought of his own safety.
Mr Warren's former wife, Heather, said he was her "best friend" and his death would be a "big loss".
Tributes have been paid to a man who died after he went into the sea off the Kent coast to try to rescue his dog.