This Big Brave Dog Breed May Be the Answer to America’s Lifeguard Shortage
The United States is currently experiencing a bizarre lifeguard shortage that began with the pandemic. But the good news is, international water rescue teams have already found a solution: dogs!
While many dogs have the potential to excel in water rescue (with the proper training, of course), there’s one breed in particular that was practically made for this job. Could these lifeguard dogs be the answer to the lifeguard shortage in America too?
These Dogs Were Bred For Water Rescue
Anyone who knows much about the Newfoundland breed knows just how comfortable they are in the water. These gentle giants are famous for their large size and caring demeanor, but did you know that they were actually bred to work in the water beside their owners? These are dogs that love to swim, and they can pull heavy weights for long distances even while in the water.
This breed’s maritime history can be credited to the island they hail from: Newfoundland! This province in Eastern Canada relied largely on fishing and ports, especially when European settlers were first making their homes in the New World. There were already several dog breeds native to the island, but settlers bred a new kind of dog that was comfortable in the water, capable of pulling heavy loads, and loyal to the core. This new breed became the Newfoundland!
These dogs are strong swimmers because of their partially webbed paws, and they can withstand cold waters with their thick, waterproof coats. Combine this with their physical strength and unwavering work ethic, and you’ve got the perfect four-legged lifeguard.
Dog Lifeguards in Croatia and Italy
While Newfoundlands no longer officially work in the water in North America, they’re beloved (and successful) lifeguard dogs in Europe. You’ll often see them patrolling beaches alongside humans in Croatia and Italy, wearing special floatation vests that help them rescue up to three people at a time. As long as the victims are conscious, they can grab onto their life vest while the dog tows them to safety. Thousands of people have been rescued this way!
The experts who run the School of Water Rescue Dogs in Milan, Italy, have helped hundreds of dogs become certified in canine water rescue. It takes three years of training for a pup to get the green light, but it’s not just Newfoundlands in the program. Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are also dog lifeguards in Croatia and Italy, though their Canadian cousins will always remain the best of the best. These are all dog breeds that love to swim, but the Croatia dog lifeguards only train the most loyal and hardworking water dogs and handlers.
Saving Lives One Dog Paddle at a Time
One Pennsylvania nonprofit, the American Acadeny of Canine Water Rescue, brought lifeguard dog training to the US thanks to one beloved dog. Known as “That NEPA Newfie” (with NEPA standing for Northeast Pennsylvania), Oakley the Newfoundland dog lifeguard was one of the most accomplished water rescue dogs until her passing in December 2023. She and her owner, George Abraham, trained at the School of Water Rescue Dogs in Italy before bringing the mission stateside. It wasn’t long before Abraham joined the team behind the American Academy of Canine Water Rescue, and even advanced to President. These days, Oakleys little sister Kelby is one of the top water rescue dogs in the US, and she does justice to her sister’s legacy every day!
Kelby currently patrols the shores of Pennsylvania’s Beltsville Laje two days a week, but her owner is also busy helping the nonprofit gain awareness across the country. There may not be any official lifeguard programs for water loving canines yet, but Abraham and Kelby hope to see that soon.
