Local vets join up with the RNLI for a safer Thanet

The mobile veterinary business is four weeks into a partnership with the lifeboat charity. The vets have been distributing safety materials and messaging to dog owners and their customers who enjoy walking along the county’s beaches.

The practice covers the stretch of coast from Whitstable to Sandwich and will reach 1,000 potential lifesavers who will receive the RNLI’s advice on cold water shock, how to keep your dog (and yourself) safe when walking near water, float to live and the successful ‘Respect the Water’ campaign. Every year around 190 people die in British and Irish waters, and over half of those who drown never intended to enter the water.

Andy Mills, RNLI Community Safety volunteer for Thanet, said, 'Although our lifeboat crews and shore volunteers work very hard to keep the public safe, the RNLI can’t be everywhere at once. By sharing advice on how to stay safe, and how to look out for others, we hope to help people avoid danger by suggesting a few simple steps.

'We hope visitors to our coast will have a safe Easter break and thanks to all those at Vet2U Ltd. for their help with this.'

Dr. Kate Higgs, vet and director of Vet2U Ltd. said, 'We are very happy to be helping the RNLI spread their key safety messages to all our clients so they don’t try to enter the water if their doggie gets into difficulty but call the Coastguard immediately on 999.'

Notes to editors

· Downloads of RNLI’s ‘Respect the Water’ safety campaign materials are available here: https://rnli.org/pages/respect-the-water-resources/national-campaign-resources

· More information about Vet2U Ltd. can be found here: http://www.vet2u.direct/ and they can be contacted on 01843 606 867/ 07469 969 541

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Julie Rainey, South East Regional Media Manager on 07827 358 256 or [email protected] or contact RNLI Press team 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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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.