Local vets join up with the RNLI for a safer Thanet

The popular coast of East Kent is now a safer Thanet than ever thanks to a pilot between the RNLI and local veterinary practice, Vet2U.

The mobile veterinary business is four weeks into a partnership with the lifeboat charity to make a safer Thanet. The vets have been distributing safety materials and messaging to dog owners and their customers who enjoy walking along the county’s beaches.

The practice covers the stretch of coast from Whitstable to Sandwich and will reach 1,000 potential lifesavers who will receive the RNLI’s advice on cold water shock, how to keep your dog (and yourself) safe when walking near water, float to live and the successful ‘Respect the Water’ campaign. Every year around 190 people die in British and Irish waters, and over half of those who drown never intended to enter the water.

Andy Mills, RNLI Community Safety volunteer for Thanet, said, ‘Although our lifeboat crews and shore volunteers work very hard to keep the public safe, the RNLI can’t be everywhere at once. By sharing advice on how to stay safe, and how to look out for others, we hope to help people avoid danger by suggesting a few simple steps.

‘We hope visitors to our coast will have a safe Easter break and thanks to all those at Vet2U Ltd. for their help with this.’

Dr. Kate Higgs, vet and director of Vet2U Ltd. said, ‘We are very happy to be helping the RNLI spread their key safety messages to all our clients so they don’t try to enter the water if their doggie gets into difficulty but call the Coastguard immediately on 999.’

Learn more about the RNLI

RNLI’s ‘Respect the Water’ safety campaign

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the charity that saves lives at sea.The volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

More information about Vet2U Ltd. can be found here: http://www.vet2u.direct/

To keep up to date with all Communityad articles, news and publications why not follow us on our social media channels?