DOG walkers are being warned to keep their pets on leads near a river or risk them being swept away by fastmoving water.

The alarming comments came from the Littlehampton Coastguard Rescue Team after they were called out several times over the last few days to reports of dogs in the river Arun.

Crews attended the incidents alongside Littlehampton RNLI Lifeboat Station and the dogs were rescued “safe and well”.

The coastguard said every year, pet owners lose their lives attempting to rescue their pets by jumping into the freezing water.

It is now calling for people to stop taking unnecessary risks.

A spokesman said: “We can’t stress enough how important it is to keep your dog on a lead when walking beside the river.

“It’s very easy for dogs to jump in and end up at risk of being swept away.

“We must also highlight that if your dog does end up in the river, never go in after it.

“The water coming out of the river mouth at this time of the year can be very cold.

“Every year pet owners lose their lives attempting to rescue their pets. Call for assistance and be ready to direct them to any animals or persons in the water.

“Thankfully, in these incidents we have attended, the dogs have been rescued safe and well.

“In a coastal emergency always call 999 and ask for the coastguard, and don’t put yourself or others at risk.”

Last week, Newhaven Coastguard Search and Rescue were called to Splash Point, Seaford after a border collie called Max fell from the cliff into the water.

The team were on the beach but were unable to reach Max due to the high tide separating them from the beach he was on.

Newhaven RNLI were called and came to Hawk’s Brow just east of splash point near Seaford, where Max had swum in to a small stretch of beach.

Despite falling 100ft, Max was seemingly unharmed and returned to his owner.

The RNLI says the incident is another reminder of “doing the right thing” as a dog owner by calling the coastguard.

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