HM Coastguard and Exmouth RNLI rescue dog and owner from Rodney Point Cliff

HM Coastguard Rescue Team responded to an incident at Rodney Point where a dog fell over the cliff. The dog’s owner attempted to rescue the injured dog by descending the cliff but unfortunately became a casualty themselves.

The Coastguard team requested the assistance of Exmouth RNLI's D class inshore lifeboat, George Bearman II. Volunteer lifeboat crew quickly launched the lifeboat and arrived on scene to recover the owner and dog from Rodney Point. They were taken back to Exmouth beach, and met by Exmouth Coastguard team, who transported the dog to a local vet for treatment. The inshore lifeboat returned to Exmouth Lifeboat station and was washed down and refueled ready for the next shout.

RNLI dog walking safety advice:

It's important to always keep yourself safe when you walk your dog. Please remember to:

• Keep your dog on a lead if you're close to cliff edges or fast flowing rivers.
• If your dog goes into the water or gets stuck in mud, don't go in after them. Move to a place of safely and call their name.
• If you suspect they are stuck or injured, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

Notes to editors

Exmouth lifeboat station has been operating since 1803. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/exmouth-lifeboat-station

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Lawrence Booth, RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07515 522573 or [email protected], Dawn Robinson, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07565 424093 or [email protected], Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager on 07786 668847or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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.