Many dogs love a day at the beach just as much as a human does. In fact, a lot of them seem to like it even more. One adventurous beach-loving pup joined his person for a swim at Sunset Cliffs in San Diego this Fourth Of July weekend. Unfortunately, the enthusiastic dog soon found himself struggling to paddle his way back to him.
The dog’s person must have had the insight not to try to chase after him. Often people who try to swim into rough waters after their dogs can find themselves swept out to sea. Instead, he left it to the professionals to save his pup. San Diego Lifeguards and Fire Rescue Department to the rescue!
Two lifeguards rushed to the dog’s aid while he struggled to swim. SD Fire-Rescue lifeguards K. Bechelder and K. Barry arrived on the scene with a rescue board. Lifeguards store rescue boards at their stations in case of emergencies. Usually, strapping an injured swimmer to a board helps keep their neck or limbs still to prevent injury. In this case, they used the board to help a troubled pup to safety.
On the shore, person and pup were reunited! Don’t worry, the dog emerged from the ocean uninjured. If anything he might be a little bit wiser now. But knowing dogs, probably not.
For the lifeguards, this was all in a day’s work for them. Still, it’s a pretty good day at work when you get to help out a dog. Naturally the San Diego Lifeguard Facebook page shared a photo of the unharmed dog with his rescuers.
“The Sunset Cliffs roaming crew had their hands full with groups of swimmers testing their limits in the surf and even had a dog rescue at the bottom of the Ladera stair access.”
Lifeguards tend to dog-related issues semi-frequently as it turns out. In the past this San Diego department helped a dog stung by a sting ray and many other pups who found themselves in rough water. There’s also a nearby dog beach, and we know how our pups tend not to observe the signs and fences. Thankfully this crew always has eyes on the water!
Keeping Your Dog Safe At The Beach
Thinking of visiting the beach with your dog? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
The safest way to keep your dog afloat is with a doggy life vest.
Floatation devices are especially important for breeds like bulldogs and basset hounds, with larger chests and shorter front legs. These dogs have a harder time swimming and tire faster than say a Labrador or a Spaniel would. You should select a life vest for your dog based on its breed and size.
A harness with a handle can make extracting a struggling dog easier.
A vest or harness with a handle makes plucking a dog from the water a bit easier for rescuers. If you plan on walking near strong current bodies of water, suit your dog up in a harness.
Of course it helps to have some professional lifeguards nearby too.
H/T: ABC10 News
Featured Image: @SanDiegoLifeguards/Facebook, @SDFDoffical/Facebook
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