Lifeboat charity warns public to be vigilant after being called out to help a dog in a river

The Aberdeen RNLI have asked the public to be extra vigilant and to keep pets on leads next to fast flowing rivers.

The charity launched an inshore lifeboat, Bouy Woody 85N, following a report of a dog in trouble on the banks of the River Dee.

The River Dee had burst its banks at certain points due to heavy snowmelt, and debris was travelling downstream towards the harbour in fast flowing water.

Lifeboat charity warns public to be vigilant after being called out to help a dog in a river

The lifeboat and volunteer crew conducted an extensive search up and down the river and harbour, before standing down at 17:10. Neither the dog nor owner were reported as being seen but the crew was confident that both are safe and well.

Grant Bruce, Helm, said: “We take shouts involving dogs incredibly seriously.

"We’re conscious that where there is a dog involved, the owner is likely to go into the water after them.

"The RNLI encourages owners to move to a safe place and report the incident to the Coastguard.

Lifeboat charity warns public to be vigilant after being called out to help a dog in a river

"In this instance, it was a member of the public who reported the incident, allowing us to launch quickly and ensure that no one was in danger.

"We always encourage owners to contact the Coastguard with an update if both dog and owner get themselves to safety.

“Both rivers are particularly dangerous right now, even more so than usual, with logs and other debris, as well as a considerable amount of fast-flowing water heading downstream as a result of the now thawing heavy snowfall we’ve seen lately.

"We want to remind the public to be vigilant when walking on the riverbanks and to keep dogs on a lead as much as possible.”

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