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Margate RNLI’s dogged determination saves the day

Lifeboats News Release

A dog has been rescued by Margate’s RNLI inshore lifeboat after becoming stranded on a groyne at Westgate-on-Sea.

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A member of the public contacted crew at the lifeboat station this morning (Sunday 31 July) reporting that a Labrador dog was stranded on a partially submerged concrete groyne at St Mildred’s Bay, Westgate-on-Sea. As well as concern for the dog there was also concern that the owner may attempt a rescue and escalate the degree of risk to all involved.
 
The inshore lifeboat was quickly on scene and in order not to panic the animal, a crewmember was put onto the groyne and waded along it to gain the dog’s confidence. It seemed to see the value in taking a liking to its new found friend and was quite happy to be transferred to the lifeboat. After a short ride it was reunited with its grateful owner and both were able to resume their Sunday morning walk.
 
Peter Barker, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Margate RNLI said: ‘It is not unusual for dogs to get into difficulties at sea while out for a walk. The owner was correct here not to attempt a rescue and await the arrival of the lifeboat. Often the owner can end up being the one in difficulties while the dog’s natural instinct sees it survive the drama.’
 
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RNLI media contacts
 
  • Peter Barker, RNLI Margate Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer 07974 064304 [email protected]
  • Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/East/South East) on 0207 6207426, 07785 296252  [email protected]
  • Sophie Coller-Nielsen Press Officer (London/East/South East), 0207 6207416, 07824 416615 email [email protected]
  • For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.

About the author

Peter Barker
Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, RNLI Margate Lifeboat Station

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