La safety on the beach it is often underestimated by bathers. This unfortunately results in cases of drowning that not infrequently fill the pages of newspapers. Every summer the beaches all over Italy are "stormed" by millions of local bathers and tourists who decide to spend their holidays in the beautiful country. In addition to the traditional beach guards, there are "special lifeguards ", ready to intervene in case of danger. These are the dogs of the Italian School for Rescue Dogs, a local pride that has exported its model also abroad, with excellent results.

What is the Italian Rescue Dog School?

La Italian School for Rescue Dogs (SICS) is an association of volunteers active in about 30 Italian beaches. Founded in 1988 da Ferruccio Pilenga, the school counts today more than 350 lifeguard dogs, Between Golden Retriever, Newfoundland and Labrador. The choice of these breeds is not accidental, since they are dogs with an average weight above 30 kg. and from the stand out swimming skills. Despite this the school is also open to other breedsprovided that the dogs meet the required power and endurance requirements. The Italian School of Rescue Dogs runs courses for dogs and handlers (who work together). The training takes approx 18 monthi, at the end of which a certificazione (patent) with national value.

Italian School of Rescue Dogs - Black Labrador on lifeguard shoe in Mondello
Photo: © Alessandro Montes - Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

During training, i dogs they learn not only to rescue bathers from the beach, but also to jump off a boat or from a rubber dinghy to reach the goal in danger. However, this type of operation is carried out in collaboration with Coast Guard and Local Port Authorities. Other courses also includehelicopter rescue training, In collaboration with the 'air Force, firefighters and the other units of the Italian helicopters. In these cases, the dogs are trained to jump into the sea from a helicopter. Thanks to the Italian School of Rescue Dogs, dogs learn, always in a context "playful”To become a fundamental resource for beach safety. These 4-legged heroes they succeed in feats impossible for a man, such as towing a small boat with up to on board 30 Guests. Precisely for this reason, SICS is an essential association for Italian beaches and beyond.

Italian School of Rescue Dogs - Labrador lifeguard on the beach

The SICS model abroad

The operational headquarters of the Italian School of Rescue Dogs is located atIdroscalo in Milan. Dogs from all over the world come here to be trained, both with the standard 18-month courses, and with intensive training, both in collaboration with the Coast Guard. To date, dogs operating in Italy have been trained Switzerland, Germany e United States, where it has been present since 2016 the American Academy of Canine Water Rescue, association with instructors trained at the SICS in Milan. In this case, Italy stands as a virtuous model for a fundamental service, namely rescue at sea. The hope is that in the future lifeguard dogs spread like wildfire all over the world thanks to the help of SICS experts To date, in every 4-legged angel that guards the beaches abroad and saves the lives of bathers in difficulty there is a "pinch" of Italy. One can only be proud of this.

Cover photo: © Italian School of Rescue Dogs (Facebook page).

Italian School of Rescue Dogs: where 4-legged heroes are born last edit: 2021-08-27T09:30:00+02:00 da Antonello Ciccarello

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