Photo: Pixo5 | Pixabay
At the Scuola Italiana Cani Salvataggio (SICS) in Italy, 350 canines are specially trained in the art of lifeguarding and water rescue, looking after 30 of the country's populated beaches. These four-legged doggie guards rescue between 20 to 30 people per year from life-threatening situations. Just earlier this year, three SICS dogs rescued several families who were struggling 330 feet off the coast; among them were eight children. The SICS program was created by 59-year-old Ferruccio Pilenga, who witnessed his own dog, Mas, pulling a dinghy bearing three people for half an hour. Pilenga says the presence of the dogs helps give more legs to water rescue operations, as well as emanating light-hearted vibes. 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," says Pilenga.
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