The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has confirmed it saved 164 dogs last year with the release of its latest animal rescue figures.

Coinciding with the launch of the paperback version of Saved from the Waves yesterday (13 April 2023), the charity revealed an increase in the number of animals it aided in 2022. The majority of the 209 creature call outs were to dogs, but RNLI crews were also called upon to rescue 27 dolphins, two deer, a rabbit and a snake.

Saved from the Waves is filled with first-hand accounts of these animal rescues and takes the reader on a journey with volunteer lifeboat crews as they save beloved pets, wildlife and livestock.

The RNLI says ‘the book shines a light on the necessity of animal rescues, not only to save the animals at risk of drowning but to prevent people putting themselves in danger when trying to rescue their furry friends’. 

The royalties from all sales of the book will support the lifesaving charity.

The book includes the incredible story of the rescue of Flossy the dog, who survived a 130ft cliff fall on Anglesey, North Wales.

A Bichon Frise-Shih Tzu mix, Flossy was on holiday with her owners Clare and Terry and their daughter Beatrice when she disappeared over a grassy mound, and didn’t return when called.

Flossy had fallen into an isolated cove and was trapped on a ledge. After running to get her phone, Clare dialled 999 and asked for the coastguard who were quickly on scene.

“The coastguard team started looking for a way down, but it quickly became clear that it was too dangerous even for them to attempt,” she says. “My heart sank as a member of the coastguard team explained that the only way to get Flossy would be from the water.

“She has to be okay, I pleaded silently to myself. She has to be. The coastguards said that they had alerted the RNLI and were sending a lifeboat. ‘The RNLI?’ I said, surprised. ‘They do that?’”

The volunteer crew from Moelfre RNLI and made their way into the cove. After going ashore and coaxing a confused, cold and tired Flossy into their arms, the beloved bet was reunited with her owners.

RNLI Chief Executive, Mark Dowie, comments: “Saved from the Waves is a heart-warming collection of stories which highlights the bravery of our crew when it comes to saving lives, whether that is a person or their pet. 

“As a dog owner, I can identify with anyone who would instinctively head into the water to rescue their pet and we know well there’s a chance their fellow humans will enter the water to attempt a rescue. This can and has led to tragedy. As such, many of the rescues featured in this book have indirectly saved human lives.”

Steve Backshall, explorer, presenter and writer, wrote the foreword for the book. He says: “I deeply admire the RNLI lifesavers who are prepared to preserve the lives of animals as well as human beings. Saved from the Waves contains a fascinating range of stories, showcasing how the RNLI’s crews and lifeguards have gone to the aid of wild animals from seabirds and deer to a humpback whale. 

“If you love animals, I know you’ll really enjoy reading this book. It’s also wonderful to know that it will help to raise the funds that equip and train the lifesavers, ready for the next rescue.”

Images courtesy of the RNLI.

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