Olive the Airedale terrier made a full recovery thanks to the swift actions of Wells inshore lifeboat crew.

Olive the Airedale terrier had been walking with her family in Wells. 

A dog has been rescued by the RNLI after becoming cut off by the tide on a beach in Norfolk.

Wells inshore lifeboat crew were called out to help a family on the north side of Wells beach on Sunday (29 December). The family, including two children, had managed to wade to safety. However, Olive, their Airedale terrier, was left stranded as the water contined to rise.

Upon their arrival, the lifeboat crew found that the owners had managed to bring Olive to shore, but she had stopped breathing due to the cold. One of the crew members, a nurse, performed CPR, and thanks to his swift actions, successfully revived her. 

After returning the family to safety, the lifeboat crew quickly transferred Olive to the boathouse crew room so she could warm up and another crew member, a vet, checked her over. Remarkably, despite her ordeal, Olive made a full recovery.

Olive's family has expressed deep gratitude for saving Olive's life and were later given a tour of the lifeboat station where they learned about the vital work the RNLI does. Gil, 11 and Sylvie, eight, were eager to learn more about water safety –  and of course, the now healthy and happy Olive was the star of the visit!

Owner Tom said: “We could not be more grateful for the rescue and support we received by the brilliant lifeboat crew and on-shore team. Their professionalism, kindness and care was inspirational and we cannot thank them enough for saving Olive’s life and bringing us to safety”.

“Inshore lifeboat Helm Gary Yarham, said; ‘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.”

Nurse and crew member Simon Parkes, said: ‘I am used to resuscitating humans but never a dog. It was a huge relief when Olive started slowly 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”.

Images (C) RNLI/Jess Curtis/Ray West.