
Camber Sands RNLI Lifeguard saves puppy in distress
RNLI Lifeguard patrolling Camber Sand last weekend rescued a puppy in distress 400 metres west of the Central Lifeguard Hut.
At 11am on Sunday 7 April, Camber Sands RNLI Lifeguard Jens Peter-Jensen spotted a puppy splashing in the shallow water. Upon closer inspection, it was clear the puppy had wandered out of its depth and was in distress. The RNLI lifeguard leapt into action, calmly reassuring the couple who had been walking the dog, before entering the water to assist the puppy and return him to the relieved couple.
Camber Sands is prone to gullies of water that are not always easily spotted until you suddenly find yourself in deeper water. The dog walkers did the correct thing by not following their dog into the water and by allowing the qualified lifeguard to rescue the puppy and return in safely to shore.
That day, Camber Sands had been lovely and sunny with a pleasant breeze and popular amongst dog walkers and weekend visitors.
Jens Peter-Jensen is one of the RNLI Senior Lifeguards at Camber Sands. He has been studying his paramedic degree over the winter, and Sunday was his first day back lifeguarding at Camber Beach. Jens said:
‘This was an unusual and extra heart-warming rescue. I didn’t think the situation would become life-threatening when the puppy ran into the water. However, after a brief conversation with the dog walkers, a rescue was initiated. The puppy was out of its depth in a gully and struggling to return to shore. The puppy was promptly assisted ashore and reunited with the dog walker. The wagging tail and spring in its step reassured me that all would be fine. It was all the gratitude I needed from this furry friend’.
Upon returning the puppy to the dog walkers it was discovered that it wasn’t their dog but in fact their sister’s dog. They were not initially worried about the puppy as he visited the beach many times and always loved going in the water. Luckily the RNLI lifeguards are on hand and well trained to spot individuals in distress and respond quickly and return everyone safely to sure.
If you get in trouble at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. For the latest advice, visit our beach safety page.
RNLI lifeguards will be on duty at Camber Sands Central Beach from 10am to 6pm every weekend and are happy to assist members of the public and share key safety advice.
On national pet day 2024, here are a few top tips for keeping your pet safe while enjoying a day on the beach.
Tips for dog walkers:
It’s important to keep yourself safe when walking your dog. Please remember:
· Keep your dog on a lead if you’re close to cliff edges or fast flowing rivers.
· If your dog enters the water and becomes in distress, don’t go in after them. Move to a place your dog can get to safely and call them over – they are likely to be able to get out themselves
· If you’re worried about them, flag down a lifeguard or call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please email Izzy Coley, RNLI Media Engagement Placement – South East Region on [email protected] or telephone RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 144,000 lives.
RNLI at 200
On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.