Gravesend volunteers helped bring a horse safely back to shore after it and its rider got into difficulty on the River Thames foreshore.
The incident occurred on 19 July at around 1.20pm, when London Coastguard tasked Gravesend following reports of a horse and rider in difficulty on the river. The rescue highlights the hazards posed by the tidal Thames, particularly around exposed foreshore areas where changing conditions can quickly make it difficult to reach safety.
Responds to Horse-and-Rider Emergency
After receiving the call from London Coastguard, the Gravesend crew launched to assist with the situation. The horse was on the River Thames foreshore, an area that can present serious risks because of mud, uneven ground, tidal movement and limited access from land.
The crew worked to encourage the black horse towards a safe exit point, helping it reach the shore. The rider was also involved in the incident, and the operation required coordination between emergency responders on the tidal river.
Gravesend serves a busy stretch of the Thames where commercial traffic, leisure activity and changing tidal conditions can all create emergency situations. The station is one of four lifeboat stations on the River Thames, alongside Teddington, Chiswick and Tower.
Why the Thames Foreshore Can Be Dangerous
The foreshore is the part of the riverbank exposed at low tide. While it can appear accessible, it is not a controlled recreational environment. Tides can rise quickly, and soft mud or hidden obstacles can make walking, riding or attempting a rescue dangerous.
A person or animal may become stuck or stranded, while anyone trying to help can also be placed at risk. That is why the priority in a riverside emergency is to alert trained responders as quickly as possible rather than entering the water or mud yourself.
The Port of London Authority advises witnesses to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they see someone in trouble in the water or on the foreshore. It also advises people not to enter the water themselves, as doing so can create an additional casualty and make the rescue more difficult.
What to Do If You See an Animal or Person in Trouble
If you spot a horse, rider, pet or person in difficulty near the tidal Thames:
- Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
- Give the clearest possible location, including nearby landmarks, pier names, road names or the riverbank side.
- Keep the casualty in sight where it is safe to do so, as the current may move them from the original location.
- Use nearby lifesaving equipment, such as a lifering or throwline, only if it can be done safely from the bank.
- Do not enter the water or mud to attempt a rescue yourself.
For a person who unexpectedly enters the water, the RNLI’s “Float to Live” guidance is to lean back, keep the ears under the surface, relax the body and control breathing before attempting to call for help or reach safety.
A Reminder for Horse Riders Near Tidal Water
Riders planning routes near rivers, estuaries or foreshore areas should be especially cautious. Tide times, access points, riverbank stability and local restrictions should be checked before setting out. A route that is safe earlier in the day may become inaccessible as water levels rise.
It is also sensible to ride with another person where possible, keep a charged phone in a secure waterproof pouch, tell someone the planned route and expected return time, and avoid taking horses onto unfamiliar mudflats or exposed riverbeds.
Gravesend RNLI’s response demonstrates how quickly an outing near water can become an emergency—and why early calls to the Coastguard and professional rescue support are essential. The operates rescue services on the Thames around the clock, responding to incidents involving people, vessels and, when required, animals in distress.
