Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine
Life on the Job “Our dogs routinely find themselves working long hours from boats or on the beach. At a moment’s notice, they are required to spring into action and dive from a boat or run from the beach to help someone.” They can be used to help preserve a lifeguard’s energy, tow a boat, watercraft, and even multiple victims at once. Safety is paramount for these dogs and their handlers. “We use state-of-the-art safety equipment,” George shares. “Our dogs wear a very special rescue PFD.” Hand made in Italy and designed just for rescue dogs, many lifeguard techniques are built around these personal floatation devices. They also provide safety for the dog as well as any victim they may rescue. “Most of our k9 lifeguard dogs also wear Rex Specs goggles. The goggles, while not water tight, do a remarkable job at keeping water and debris out of our dogs eyes. Whether on a speeding boat or a helicopter, impact protection for our dogs eyes is imperative. Our dogs mostly work from sight so eye protection is critical. The fact that they also work as sunglasses and are UV rated are a bonus!” K9s and their handlers/lifeguards spend a lot of time getting in sync with one another on the job. “The dog rests when you rest, eats when you do, and deploys when you ask it to.” These dogs aren’t just rescuers, they’re also a source of comfort. George says that often once the victim is safely back on the boat or shore, the dog can console and help calm them.
Challenges and Triumphs George doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulty of training and working with highly specialized rescue dogs. “One of the hardest challenges is teaching the dog to swim out without there being a ‘target.’ Meaning they don’t see a person in distress or you didn’t throw an object for them to retrieve.” Another major hurdle? Training the dog to stay near but keep clear during hands-on rescues: “Our dogs must be able to give the lifeguard space and only get close when called. We teach them to swim in a circle around us”
But the rewards? They’re immense. “The bond you form with a working dog is incredible. They know exactly what you’re feeling and what you’re going to do next. They understand what part they play in the mission. You trust them with your life.” Real Life Heroes From beachfront patrols to helicopter drops, water rescue dogs and their handlers are a testament to courage, training, and trust. Thanks to leaders like George Abraham and the AACWR, the future of K9 lifeguarding is in capable paws.
Credit : https://www.rexspecs.com/blogs/news/meet-the-k9-lifeguards-inside-the-world-of-water-rescue-dogs?srsltid=AfmBOopq Hryj6C6MTZEVO9xo-yLOJUCjHOhEckXSMLbvA-Raie3Bb1Aq
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