Margate RNLI establishes a dog’s bark is worse that its bite

UK Coastguard received a report at around 4pm today (Thursday 1 May) of two members of the public entering the water to attempt the rescue of a dog that was swimming out to sea at Neptune’s Tower between Botany Bay and Kingsgate Bay.

Margate RNLI’s D class inshore lifeboat along with Coastguard Rescue Teams from Margate and Deal were tasked to assist and once on scene coastguard officers established that the persons, who had no connection with the dog were no longer in the sea and that the dog had made off on its own along the beach towards Broadstairs.

Social media activity identified the dog’s owner and with reports that that it may not be particularly people-friendly a member of the lifeboat crew who knew the animal made up part of the boat’s crew. With concern that the dog may re-enter the sea prompting a further rescue attempt the lifeboat continued to try and recover the animal.

Coastguard officers along with the lifeboat monitored the dog’s progress and the lifeboat crew were able to capture it near Stone Bay, Broadstairs. The dog’s owners meanwhile met the lifeboat and took the animal back into their care, the dog (and the rescuers) were unharmed after their adventure.

Derek Amas, Lifeboat Operations Manager, RNLI Margate said: “While it was established the dog had emerged from the water safely it was important to try and regain control of it and prevent any further problems. We strongly urge people not to enter the water to attempt rescue when a dog decides to go for an extended swim, the animal will usually return safely on its own. On these occasions dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

Notes to editors

· Margate lifeboat station has been operating since 1860. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/margate-lifeboat-station

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact:

· Peter Barker, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07974 064304 or [email protected]

· Hatti Mellor, Regional Communications Manager on 07724 801305 or [email protected]

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 142,700 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.