On Tuesday, July 30 Sussex Wildlife Trust issued this statement:
"We welcome dogs at the nature reserve and understand how much it means to owners and their four-legged friends to spend time here.
"For the safety and enjoyment of everyone, we've recently updated our dog policy. We are now asking that dogs be kept on a lead between the reserve entrance at Rye Harbour village and the end of the path by the river mouth.
"In the event of an emergency, please immediately dial 999 and ask for the coastguard. Please do not risk your own life by attempting to rescue a dog that has fallen into the river.
"Our dog policy remains unchanged across the rest of the nature reserve:
- Please keep your dog under close control.
- Make sure your dog is on a lead around grazing livestock
- Use the bins provided to dispose of any mess
"You can find more information on our new dog policy at: rye.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserve/dogs.
"Thank you for your support and understanding."
The RNLI advice when walking dogs near water:
"Keep me on a lead if we're close to cliff edges or fast flowing rivers.
"If I go into the water or get stuck in mud, don't go after me. Move to a place I can get to safely and call me - I'll probably get out by myself."
Lucy Green, crew member at RNLI Rye Harbour commented: "I walk my dogs regularly at the reserve and always have them on a lead. I have attended too many shouts where adults have got into trouble in the water when they have gone in to rescue their pet. The RNLI advice is sound, 'Call for help 999 and ask for the coastguard, stay on land and do not enter the water, and keep talking to your pet until help comes'. "
