August 30, 2010 - Italy has a program run by its National Civil Protection Agency that trains Labradors, Newfoundlands and golden retrievers to act as lifeguards at beaches and lakes around the country to help save people from drowning. Approximately 70 dogs have been certified and are now on patrol. The dogs work together with human lifeguards and are trained to recognize signs of drowning. When they see someone in trouble, they paddle out to the swimmer, ideally with their human partners, but alone if necessary. The distressed swimmer can grab hold of the dog, which will then paddle back to safety with the rescued swimmer in tow, or the dog will drag the person in with its teeth, tugging him ashore by his arm, shirt or bathing suit. The dogs are strong enough to pull in three people holding on to each other, or a raft with three people on it. Here's more from Time.
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