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Wicklow RNLI assist anxious pet owners as dog gets into difficulties

Lifeboats News Release

Both Wicklow RNLI lifeboats were launched at teatime this evening (Friday 14 July) following reports of a dog in the water south of Wicklow harbour.

Wicklow RNLI lifeboats

RNLI/Tommy Dover

Wicklow RNLI at the scene on Friday evening

The alarm was raised by Wicklow Garda Síochána, who were concerned that the dog owners would instinctively try to rescue their pet and risk injury. At 6.32pm the Inshore lifeboat launched and was followed a short time later by the all-weather lifeboat, both proceeded south to the foot of cliffs at Wicklow golf course.

The Inshore lifeboat was on scene four minutes after launching in a position two hundred metres to the south of Travelahawk beach. In challenging sea conditions, helm Alan Goucher was able to get the lifeboat ashore and locate the dog.
The Inshore lifeboat volunteers made repeated attempts to retrieve the dog, but it retreated into caves on the shoreline each time. The dog eventually made its own way back up the cliff where it was retrieved by its anxious owners. With the dog back in safe hands the lifeboat crews were stood down by the Coast Guard and returned to station.

The call out was a milestone for trainee Liz Thomas as she went to sea on her first ‘shout’ as an all-weather lifeboat volunteer.

Speaking after the call out Wicklow RNLI Press officer, Tommy Dover said: ’We were happy to help and would remind dog owners to ensure to look after their own personal safety and do not get into danger trying to attempt a rescue themselves. Always keep your dog on a lead when you’re close to cliff edges or fast flowing rivers. Don’t go after your dog if they go into the water. If you are worried about your dog, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

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.

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