Man and dog's sea rescue to be aired on TV show

Curtis Johnson and Rex visited Cromer's RNLI crew, involved in his rescue, to present them with a fundraising cheque last year

The dramatic lifeboat rescue of a man who jumped into rough seas to save his dog will be shown on TV.

Curtis Johnson got into trouble when his dog Rex leapt off the sea wall at Cromer in Norfolk last year.

The town's RNLI volunteers dashed to the promenade to throw him a life ring before the lifeboat arrived to pluck him and his pet out of the powerful waves, that were crashing against the wall.

RNLI volunteer Tom Stops said the rescue was "very challenging" and the team were "so thankful" to Mr Johnson for sharing his story and highlighting safety at sea.

Volunteers met Mr Johnson and Rex in person a few weeks after the rescue, which Mr Stops said was "really special".

"The series showcases our work and allows viewers to get up close and see rescues through our eyes and those of the people we rescue," said Mr Stops.

"We are delighted to feature in such a long-running and respected series."

The scenes are due to be broadcast on BBC Two's Saving Lives at Sea episode on Thursday.

Two RNLI volunteers threw a life ring from the sea wall and helped to keep Mr Johnson calm before the lifeboat crew pulled him aboard

The emergency was filmed by a local angler, who also called 999 for the coastguard.

Mr Johnson, who was 33 at the time, was not familiar with the area.

He was walking Rex along the promenade and let him off the lead at about 07:00 BST on 6 July 2024, when his pet leapt over the sea wall and into the water.

Mr Johnson said at the time: "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."

Cromer RNLI's volunteer inshore lifeboat crew had to navigate choppy seas and clusters of large rocks to save Mr Johnson and his dog

Cromer's RNLI volunteers were called by the coastguard and they took them to a nearby station after the rescue.

Paul Watling, Cromer RNLI coxswain and mechanic, was one of the first on scene and said of the incident: "Thankfully, both the casualty and his dog were rescued, but this could easily have ended differently."

Mr Johnson returned to their station in September to meet the crew and to hand over almost £1,000 he had raised for Cromer RNLI.

In the 10th series of the BBC programme, more than 30 lifeboat stations and beach lifeguards feature in the 10-show run.