RNLI offers safety advice to dog walkers
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is offering safety advice to dog walkers. So far this year, the charity has rescued over 150 dogs.
The RNLI is urging dog-owners to keep their pets on a lead when walking near fast-flowing rivers or cliff edges, and to take care in dark and slippery conditions.
Steve Instance, Community Safety Partner for the RNLI said, ‘If your dog goes in the water, please don’t go in after them. Instead, move to a place where your dog could get to easily and call them. They will probably get out by themselves. However, if you’re worried, please call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.’
The charity is also asking dog walkers to check the tide times before they head to the coast, and to plan their trip accordingly to give them enough time to return to safety
Steve continued, ‘Tide times can vary throughout the month, and a section of beach that was clear yesterday at 3pm might be covered today. This can be particularly treacherous with the sun setting earlier. We advise anyone heading to the coast to take a means of calling for help, and telling someone before you head off where you’re going and when you expect to be back.’
If you do find yourself in trouble, or see someone else in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.
Notes to editors
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For more information please contact Jennifer Clough RNLI Press Officer at [email protected] or telephone the RNLI Press Office 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
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