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Moelfre Volunteers Dash to Save Dog Walker Cut Off by Incoming Tide

Lifeboats News Release

Wednesday, July 19th at 11:am, the RNLI Moelfre volunteers launched the Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) after being tasked by H.M. Coastguard to reports of a person and a dog cut off by the incoming tide at Red Wharf Bay.

RNLI/Phil Williams

The volunteer crew were on the water within eight minutes of the launch request and made good speed to the last reported location of the casualty.

Using the lifeboat stations' powerful binoculars, one person and a dog could be seen close to the water's edge east of the Channel.

The ILB crew also spotted the casualty and proceeded directly to them. On arrival, the lifeboat crew noted that the water was already up to the lady's knees; the lifeboat crew then directed her to wade towards the lifeboat, where she was safely assisted into the boat.

The elderly dog was exhausted and required crew assistance. The crew used their initiative and used the ambulance pouch and oars to make a stretcher and carry the dog back to the boat.

Once aboard the lifeboat, the lady and her dog were then taken to the awaiting coastguard teams at St David’s caravan park slipway.

It transpires that the lady was walking with her husband and two pet dogs when the elderly dog's back legs began to buckle, the large dog was exhausted and couldn’t walk the mile or so back to safety, so the husband decided to run back with the other dog and call for help.

Fortunately, all those involved were safe and well and didn’t need further medical assistance.

Duty Helm Martin Jones said: “The lady and her dog were fortunate as the incoming tide was quickly rising around them. Her Husband did the right thing in running to call for help as soon as he noticed they were in trouble. We always advise anyone walking on beaches or tidal areas to check the local tide times and plan your walk on a falling tide, so you have time to return safely. After a good rest, we hope the dog has fully recovered.”

For further information, please contact Phil Williams, Moelfre Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07773 979910



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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