Chiswick Lifeboat Save Dog Trapped On River Wall
Got stuck while trying to climb back out of the water at Kew
Lifeboat crew from Chiswick RNLI rescued a dog that had fallen in to the River Thames at Kew and was moments away from sliding back down after becoming trapped on the river wall as he tried to escape.
The lifeboat was making its way past Kew Gardens on Monday 7 September at 11.45am when a crew member spotted a dog stuck on the river wall.
The dog, named Pepper, was trapped 3 metres below his distraught owner who was laying on the ground desperately trying to reach him after he had accidently slipped off the edge of the path, down the concrete slope and into the water.
Pepper had managed to climb out of the river and scramble about 1 metre up the wall, only to find himself unable to make his way up or down as he balanced on the slope
The crew quickly reached Pepper and took him safety on board the lifeboat. They then went to the nearest steps on the river bank to reunite Pepper with his relieved owner.RNLI helmsman Glen Monroe commented: It was very fortunate that we were passing by, as Pepper was unable to save himself and the owner had no way of reaching him.
We carry out a number of dog rescues each year as we are always concerned that the owners may try to enter the river to retrieve their dogs, often putting themselves at more at risk than their pets.
Pepper's owner Jan Rushton later thanked the crew; "I'm sure Pepper would have fallen back in to the water and not been able to make it out if the crew hadn't come to help when they did. Thank you to the RNLI for saving my dog.
If your pet enters the water, never attempt to follow it. Instead, find a safe place on the river bank and call your dog towards you. Dogs should always be kept on a lead if they're close to fast flowing rivers. If your pet is in danger, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
September 10, 2015