A beloved pet dog was reunited with the hero lifeboat crew who gave her the kiss of life on the beach where she nearly drowned.
Olive was walking along the beach with her owners when they got cut off by the fast incoming tide.
The family managed to wade to safety, but the Airedale Terrier got into trouble attempting to swim across a channel to the beach.
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Her owners managed to retrieve her and get her ashore at Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk.
But she had inhaled water and stopped breathing.
It was then, that quick-thinking Wells RNLI crew member, and nurse, Simon Parkes, leapt into action.
He used his medical training to administer chest compressions to Olive on the beach to try and revive her.
But it was a close call.
“I am used to resuscitating humans but never a dog,” Simon told NeedToKnow.
“It was a huge relief when Olive slowly started breathing.
“Then, a great team effort both inshore and shore crew getting her back to the boathouse to warm her up.
“What a relief when Olive was able to walk out with her family.”
The pooch was transferred to the boathouse crew room where she was warmed up before volunteer crew member and vet, Simon Gilbert, checked her over.
Simon said: “As the lifeboat arrived back at the station, I could see Olive was looking rather bedraggled and the volunteer crew explained they’d given chest compressions.
“I gave her a quick check over and considering what she’d been through she seemed remarkably well.
“I checked in with the owners a couple of hours later and Olive was still a little subdued so recommended they pop her into the practice for an overnight stay and observations.
“A little fluid was found on her lungs but thankfully she was discharged the following morning.”
The family, from Cambridge, has now revisited the lifeboat station to say thank you.
Olive’s owner Tom said: “We could not be more grateful for the rescue and support we received from the brilliant lifeboat crew and on-shore team.
“Their professionalism, kindness and care were inspirational and we cannot thank them enough for saving Olive’s life and bringing us to safety.”
Inshore lifeboat Helm Gary Yarham, added: “Every shout has its challenges whether it’s dealing with people or animals but through extensive training provided by the RNLI we know we have the knowledge and skills to carry out the task necessary to achieve a positive outcome.”
Wells RNLI would like to remind everyone of the importance of water safety and are thankful to the community for their continued support in helping the charity save lives at sea.
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