Jordan North defends himself after criticism for Thames dog rescue

'A lot of people have made out like I went into the river'

On Monday evening, the radio host had to be rescued by the RNLI after he attempted to rescue a dog from the River Thames.

North noticed the Labrador as he was jogging along the banks of the Thames.

The 34-year-old entered the water and managed to reach a nearby float lift with the dog. A member of the public then raised the alarm when he saw North and the dog in the water, with Chiswick RNLI then rescuing the pair near Hammersmith Bridge.

Speaking about the incident, North said on his Capital Breakfast show: "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. The real heroes here are the RNLI who came out and got me, put a blanket round me. They're the heroes."

But whilst many praised the presenter for his bravery in saving the dog, others have criticised him, suggesting he had wasted the time of RNLI members with his actions, the Mirror reports.

On Wednesday morning, North defended himself on his radio show in response to the criticism.

He told listeners: "A lot of people have made out like I went into the river, which I would never have done.

"Basically I just kind of climbed over a fence, a wall, to go to a jetty and get the dog out.

"Then I got stuck on a beam and the RNLI had to come and rescue me and the dog. The RNLI have a video of it."

Most of the responses to his actions have been positive though, with North revealing people were "coming up to me in the gym" to praise him.