Littlehampton RNLI help 4 teens reported to be trying to retrieve dog from water
Both Littlehampton RNLI lifeboats Atlantic 85 'Renée Sherman' and D-class 'Ray of Hope' and volunteer crews launched at 4.22pm on Saturday 17 June in response to a 999 call from a member of the public.
The lifeboats headed out in fine weather conditions towards the reported scene, 500 yards from Rustington foreshore.
On arrival, it was confirmed that the four female teenagers and the dog were safely accounted for, therefore both lifeboats were stood down and returned to the station at 4.50pm, where they were made ready for service.
Laura Robinson, Deputy Launching Authority at Littlehampton RNLI Lifeboat Station, said: 'It appears on this occasion a member of the public was genuinely concerned for the welfare of the four teenagers and the dog. If people do see something and have good reason to think someone may be in difficulty, we would always urge them to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
'Although it turned out that we were not needed, we would rather launch in good faith and find that people are not in harm's way, than not launch and see a tragedy unfold.'
RNLI media contacts
- Ray Pye, Littlehampton RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer / 07854 074688, email [email protected]
- Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/East/South East) on 0207 6207426, 07785 296252 email [email protected]
- Paul Dunt, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East) on 0207 620 7416, 07786 668825 email [email protected]
- For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789 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.
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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.