Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine
Imagine this: A swimmer is struggling against a riptide and exhaustion is setting in fast. Out of nowhere, a powerful form cuts through the water: a Newfoundland dog. Geared up in a PFD and Rex Specs goggles, this highly skilled rescue dog pulls the swimmer back to safety. This isn’t fiction. It’s the real life work of a K9 Lifeguard team. Among these teams is George Abraham and his certified water rescue K9, Kelby. As president of the American Academy of Canine Water Rescue, George leads the only U.S. organization dedicated to training and certifying water rescue dog teams. MEET THE TRAINER: GEORGE ABRAHAM 44 year old George Abraham lives in Pennsylvania with his 2 Newfoundland dogs, 2.5 year old certified water rescue dog, Kelby, and 6 month old water rescue dog in training, Nixie. George’s journey into canine water rescue began with a fascination: “After learning that Newfoundland dogs were amazing at water rescue, I began to research water rescue dogs and lifeguarding.” That research led to a calling, and eventually, a national nonprofit: The American Academy of Canine Water Rescue (AACWR). What It Takes to Be a Water Rescue Dog A water rescue dog is specially trained and used as a force multiplier in the water for its handler/lifeguard team. These dogs are incredibly strong, with the ability to save multiple people and even tow in boats. But this job isn’t for just any dog. According to George, “The best water rescue dog is one that will not leave the handler’s side during an emergency. They stay focused on the rescue no matter the environment around them.”
Because all water rescue dogs are equipped with specialized gear and work long days on the beach and water, they must be trainable, adaptable, and ready to gear up and go. THE TRAINING JOURNEY Training starts young. “We begin basic obedience just as any other puppy at 10-12 weeks. We introduce them to water shortly thereafter. When we play with the puppy, we do so with toys that later will be working items, like ropes and retrieving bumpers,” he shares. Dogs must be strong swimmers and extremely comfortable training in the water, especially for long periods of time. These dogs are preparing for real life scenarios and train on beach fronts, in boats and on jet skis, and even out of helicopters. “Our most advanced dogs are trained and capable of deploying from a helicopter.” While becoming a certified water rescue dog is challenging, for dogs equipped to handle the job, training escalates quickly and certification is right down the road. “A well-rounded, water-loving dog can typically pass our level 1 program in 12 months. That allows them to patrol from a beach front with a lifeguard handler. To do higher level watercraft deployments can take 18-24 months of training. Our Helicast trained dogs are the most elite. These dogs have done helicopter flights and simulated rescues from the helicopter. Most dogs do not reach this level.” Even certified dogs stay sharp year-round. “Our dogs typically work every weekend from Memorial Day through Labor Day. When they are not working they still swim and do some training exercises throughout the week. Our certification expires every 2 years just like a human lifeguard’s. Our techniques and training skillset are constantly updated and evaluated.”
INSIDE THE WORLD OF WATER RESCUE DOGS
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