The crew from the Southwold RNLI lifeboat station were getting ready to begin their weekly training on Thursday evening.
They were soon alerted to a dog which had fallen into the water on the opposite side of the river to the station, near Walberswick.
The crew was able to launch quickly and assist the spaniel’s owner who was guiding her along the harbour wall.
From there, the crew were able to retrieve the dog from the water and reunite her with the owners at Walberswick Ferry, further up the river.
Southwold Lifeboat helm Simon Callaghan said: “During our weekly Thursday night training session, as the crew prepared to go afloat for an exercise, we were alerted by cries for help.
“A dog had fallen into the river, and with the strong ebb tide posing a risk and concern that the owners might attempt a rescue themselves, the lifeboat was launched immediately. The dog was recovered safely just opposite the station within a few minutes. It was clearly relieved to be out of the water and was soon happily reunited with its family.”
The rescue also marked two milestones, with it being the first service for crew member Jenny Stocking and the dog being rescued by Jochem Voogt, who is marking 20 years of service.
Following the incident, the station issued advice to dog owners urging them to keep pets on the lead near cliffs or the water’s edge.
They also said not to go in after them if they get stuck in water or mud, move to a place where the dog could get out and call them.