Watch man and dog’s dramatic sea rescue after he jumped in to save pup

By Faye Mayern via SWNS

This dramatic footage shows the rescue of a man by a lifeboat crew after he jumped into the sea to save his dog.

Curtis Johnson, 33, had been walking his dog Rex when he briefly let him off the lead and Rex unexpectedly jumped over the sea wall and into the water in Cromer, Norfolk.

Johnson, who was not familiar with the area, then entered the sea in order to rescue his dog during the incident at 7am last Saturday, July 6.

The video, filmed by local angler Andy Siddall, shows Johnson clutching Rex in the choppy knee-high water as volunteers from the RNLI throw a life ring down to them.

Strong and powerful waves had cut Johnson off from the promenade steps and as the tide quickly came in both were being thrown around in the sea.

A lifeboat was deployed and rescued the pair, saving them from being repeatedly pushed at the sea wall by the rough waves and rain.

At one point Johnson and Rex are swept off their feet and briefly disappear from view.

Johnson said: "I wasn't familiar with the area and while Rex has excellent recall he ran off and jumped so quickly. It was such a shock.

"I can only think he thought it was like one of our local beach walking spots where the sea wall and the sea are the same height.

"I was really panicked and it was a passer-by who told me to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard and not just jump straight in.

"I entered the water as safely as I could and got to Rex however it was clear it wasn't going to be easy to get out.

"I want to say a huge thank you to the volunteer lifeboat crew from Cromer RNLI - it was a super fast response and I know from talking to them after one of them was woken by the pager going off.

"Members of the public also helped along with the Coastguards and I am also grateful to everyone.

"I urge people to not let their dogs off leads when near water, regardless of their recall.

"I also want to remind everyone that you call 999 to get in touch with the Coastguard, as many people, including myself, do not know that.

"Rex and I are ok but very shaken by our experience and I want my story to help others to make the right choices and stay safe at the Coast."

Cromer RNLI Helm, Kevin Johnson said: "Given the high tide, and a lively sea state plus the large rocks in the water as part of the current sea defense work we had to carefully work as a team to effect a safe rescue.

"The casualty and his dog were cold and tired and being pushed against the sea wall.

"Thankfully despite the conditions, and the casualty’s location we were able to maneuver the D class inshore lifeboat into position and get the casualty and his dog safely onto the lifeboat and then back to the station."

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