Southwold RNLI volunteers rescue dog in River ahead of training night
As Southwold RNLI volunteers were preparing for their weekly training evening on Thursday28 August, they were alerted that a dog had fallen into the water on the opposite side of the river.
A swift response from Southwold RNLI volunteers ensured a happy ending for an English Springer Spaniel after she fell into the river near Walberswick. Fortunately, the lifeboat crew were already gathered at the station preparing for their evening exercise, allowing them to launch rapidly.
Helm Simon Callaghan manoeuvred the lifeboat across the short stretch of river while the dog’s owners guided her along the harbour wall. The crew successfully retrieved the dog from the water and reunited her with her relieved owners at the Walberswick ferry further upriver.
The shout marked two special milestones: it was the first service for crew member Jenny Stocking, and the dog was recovered by Jochem Voogt, who is set to receive his twenty-year service medal this weekend.
With the dog safely ashore, the crew resumed their training exercise out at sea.
Southwold Lifeboat Helm Simon Callaghan said 'During our weekly Thursday night training session, as the crew prepared to go afloat for an exercise, we were alerted by cries for help. A dog had fallen into the river, and with the strong ebb tide posing a risk—and concern that the owners might attempt a rescue themselves—the lifeboat was launched immediately. The dog was recovered safely just opposite the station within a few minutes. It was clearly relieved to be out of the water and was soon happily reunited with its family.'
The RNLI offers the following safety advice for dog walking,
- Keep your dog on a lead if you're close to cliff edges or the water’s edge.
- If your dog goes into the water or gets stuck in mud, don’t go in after them. Move to a place where the dog could get out easily and call them – they will probably get out by themselves.
- If you’re worried your dog can't get out, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
- Find out more at: rnli.org/topdog
For more information, please contact Jeremy Taylor, Southwold RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.