Burnham-on-Sea D Class Lifeboat tasked to assist distressed dog
Whilst on exercise in the area south of Brean Down, the volunteer crew of lifeboat Burnham Reach were tasked by Milford Haven Coastguard, to assist members of the public after their dog had disappeared over the edge of the Down today (29 January).
They immediately made their way to the casualty area, searching around both sides of the Down, until they spotted the dog owners, not in immediate danger, but close enough to observe the distressed animal.
Helmsman Tim Walters nosed Burnham Reach onto the rocks, whilst a crewmember clambered up to assist the animal. Consequentially, the dog decided to slide down the rocks into the water, and swam towards the lifeboat.
The animal and crewmember were both recovered onto the lifeboat, and the casualty transferred to the care of a waiting Coastguard recue team, plus grateful owners, on the beach at the South side of the Down.
Lifeboat Helmsman Tim Walters said of the rescue; ‘This was a well executed fast response, taking no longer than three minutes or so. The owners were extremely grateful.’
Local Coastguards gave the following advice:-
A timely reminder that dogs should be kept on leads at all times when on Brean Down, often we are told by the owners that their dogs are well trained and don't run off. There have been several incidents around the coast in recent weeks involving dogs of cliffs, sadly the majority have died from the fall. This dog was lucky and came away just cold and shaken, but do you really want to risk the life and safety of your beloved pet?
Our safety advice is always keep pets on leads when on high ground no matter how well trained or obedient it is. Plus, never try and self recover the animal as you may put yourself and others in danger, especially on days like today where the weather is drizzly and the rocks are wet and slippery.
Lucky for these owners the RNLI were out training. If you or your pet gets into danger along the coast, cliff edges or beaches dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
RNLI media contacts
For more information about this release please telephone Mike Lang, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07889 815860 or email [email protected]
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
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.