Watch dog get rescued by RNLI after falling into the River Arun

On Saturday (May 30), the crew of Littlehampton RNLI lifeboat station’s Ray of Hope lifeboat were called out at 10.15am to come to the aid of Robbie the whippet, after he accidentally fell into the River Arun from its western bank opposite Littlehampton Pier.

Robbie, who is set to celebrate his eighth birthday next week, was rescued from the river cold but thankfully none the worse for his misadventure and was reunited with his very relieved owners.

Jack Mansfield was nearby with his son Joshua when the incident happened, and filmed the rescue. Bystanders can be heard applauding the lifeboat crew when they managed to get Robbie on board.

Joshua, 11, said: "The dog fell into the river and seemed to be stuck. He was trying to climb up out of the water, but he couldn't because the wall was too steep.

"I watched and wished I could help, but I couldn't and I stood there watching.

"The current was strong and it looked like the dog was about to slip and be washed away.

"Luckily, the brave lifeguards came just in time and rescued the poor, cold dog from drowning. Everyone clapped and cheered as the dog was driven to safety!"

It was a busy day for the team, as at 3.38pm the lifeboat station’s Renee Sherman lifeboat was called out by HM Coastguard to help a motor boat that had broken down about one mile off the coast of Littlehampton. The motor boat and its occupants were towed to Littlehampton Marina.

Less than an hour after it returned to the lifeboat station, the volunteer crew were called out again to check on the safety of the passengers of a small catamaran entering Littlehampton Harbour without engine or sails. Luckily, the vessel made it to its own mooring without help.

Nick White, Lifeboat Operations Manager for Littlehampton RNLI Lifeboat Station, said: "With such glorious weather, it was no wonder we were called into service three times today. We are always on call to help, but would like to remind everyone visiting the coast to stay safe and be alert to any possible dangers."