Dogs in Italy Working as Lifeguards

Dogs in Italy are being used as lifeguards and are helping to save an extra 20 lives every year.

For 18 months, the dogs are trained at the Italian School of Water Rescue Dogs to deal with common life-threatening situations so that they can help out the human lifeguard if they are overwhelmed. Then, the dogs either go on to become lifeguards or keep training with the basics. There are currently around 350 certified dogs who watch over the 30 most busty beaches in the country. 

Because they are so willing to work hard and take commands, these dogs are able to leap from helicopters to rescue people and swim great lengths.

Earlier this month, these dogs rescued several families when the wind and waves became too strong. Everyone was safely pulled to shore within 15 minutes with the help of these canine lifeguards.

Ferruccio Pilengal originally came up with the idea of dog lifeguards in 1989, when he watched his own dog show great skill in the water. Pilengal explained, “He pulled a water-filled dinghy with three people on board for half an hour. A human cannot do that.” He continued, “To be able to use a dog in a water rescue mission gives the rescuer a leg up. The rescuer who operates on his own is alone. We are never alone. We are always in a team with our dog so it’s a six-legged unit. I can conserve my energy and become a more effective rescuer.”

Italy is the only country to use trained canine lifeguards, but training programs are starting up all over the world.

It’s unclear whether any Animal rights groups or dog experts have spoken out about this dog “profession.” Using animals for any job can become exploitative and thus, it’s best to be wary of these things. More information is needed on the training, breaks, selection process, and care, as well as whether the dogs are adopted or bred.

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