Jordan North hailed ‘national hero’ for jumping into Thames to save dog but RNLI issues warning

Jordan North has been hailed a ‘national hero’ after he was rescued from the River Thames on Monday evening when he jumped in to try and save a dog, but RNLI have issued a warning.

The radio presenter, 34, was running near Hammersmith Bridge at 5pm when he saw a Labrador struggling in the water and went to try and rescue it.

However, he was left panicking and needed help to safety, with a member of the public raising the alarm.

Thankfully, a lifeboat crew was present nearby and were able to reach Jordan in minutes.

Many have taken to social media to hail Jordan a ‘national hero’ – but RNLI have issued a warning to animal lovers not to repeat his actions.

‘People underestimate the current and get into trouble. If a dog is in the water the last thing any owner should do is go in themselves,’ said RNLI liefboat commander Gavin Simmons, who rescued Jordan.

‘Often the dogs are able to get out on their own,’ he added.

However, on social media, many people have expressed their love for the presenter in the wake of the incident.

‘Jordan North jumping into the thames to help a dog has only made me love him even more. Men who care about animals are massive green flags,’ said @bbettiekaren.

‘Jordan North is a national hero,’ added @ChrisMrelliM, while @LausOz said: ‘I could never work out if I had a weird crush on Jordan North but after reading about him jumping in the Thames to rescue a dog – I confirm that I most definitely do.’

However, some vocalised RNLI’s warning, as @Norfolk_Kez said: ‘Shouldn’t be branding Jordan North as a hero as it sends the wrong message.

‘He put his life in danger and the RNLI had to be called out – that’s not something to be celebrated. Yes it was a snap decision which you can’t help but, don’t call him a hero.’

The I’m A Celebrity star was found sitting on a float lift with the dog on his lap wearing shorts and a T-shirt, as members of the public held up phone torches to help them locate him.

He recounted the incident on Capital Breakfast, saying: ‘A big thank you and a massive shout out to RNLI Chiswick who came and rescued me because I was getting a bit panicky.

‘I was getting a bit nervy as well because I thought my legs are going to go, I can’t hold on much longer so they got there just in time.’

A video clip shared by the RNLI revealed the moment Jordan was saved and helped into the boat.

The footage showed the volunteers recognising Jordan his radio job, and being given a blanket on the boat.

‘I was just on a run, I’ve just dropped my phone and headphones there, is that okay,’ he said in the clip.

Speaking on Capital Breakfast, he added: ‘The real heroes here are the RNLI who came out and got me, put a blanket round me. They’re the heroes.’

Thames Commander Gavin Simmons said: ‘We are on call to help all those who find themselves in difficulty on the water 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, even our beloved pets!

‘While we’d always encourage people to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard instead of entering the water themselves, we’re happy that in this instance we were able to help Jordan and the dog safely back to dry land.’

He explained on finding the Capital Radio presenter: ”He had not gone completely into the water and was not submerged, but it had gone past his knees as he waded into the water.

‘I didn’t know who he was, but one of my crew recognised him and said “It’s that bloke off the radio.”

‘We got him on the boat and checked him over. He was cold, but otherwise ok.’

To support RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crews, visit RNLI.org/WinterAppeal

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