Imagine this: A swimmer is struggling against a riptide and exhaustion is setting in fast. Out of nowhere, a powerful form cuts through the water: a Newfoundland dog. Geared up in a PFD and Rex Specs goggles, this highly skilled rescue dog pulls the swimmer back to safety. This isn’t fiction. It’s the real life work of a K9 Lifeguard team.
Among these teams is George Abraham and his certified water rescue K9, Kelby. As president of the American Academy of Canine Water Rescue, George leads the only U.S. organization dedicated to training and certifying water rescue dog teams.
Meet the Trainer: George Abraham
44 year old George Abraham lives in Pennsylvania with his 2 Newfoundland dogs, 2.5 year old certified water rescue dog, Kelby, and 6 month old water rescue dog in training, Nixie.
George’s journey into canine water rescue began with a fascination: "After learning that Newfoundland dogs were amazing at water rescue, I began to research water rescue dogs and lifeguarding." That research led to a calling, and eventually, a national nonprofit: The American Academy of Canine Water Rescue (AACWR).
What It Takes to Be a Water Rescue Dog
A water rescue dog is specially trained and used as a force multiplier in the water for its handler/lifeguard team. These dogs are incredibly strong, with the ability to save multiple people and even tow in boats.
But this job isn’t for just any dog. According to George, "The best water rescue dog is one that will not leave the handler’s side during an emergency. They stay focused on the rescue no matter the environment around them."
Because all water rescue dogs are equipped with specialized gear and work long days on the beach and water, they must be trainable, adaptable, and ready to gear up and go.
The Training Journey
In the U.S., AACWR is the only organization providing legitimate training and certification for water rescue dogs. "In Italy, the SICS or Italian School of Canine Water Rescue is the foremost authority in the world as they invented the modern water rescue dog curriculum. The AACWR is the international branch of SICS," George says.
Training starts young. "We begin basic obedience just as any other puppy at 10-12 weeks. We introduce them to water shortly thereafter. When we play with the puppy, we do so with toys that later will be working items, like ropes and retrieving bumpers," he shares. Dogs must be strong swimmers and extremely comfortable training in the water, especially for long periods of time.
These dogs are preparing for real life scenarios and train on beach fronts, in boats and on jet skis, and even out of helicopters. "Our most advanced dogs are trained and capable of deploying from a helicopter.”
While becoming a certified water rescue dog is challenging, for dogs equipped to handle the job, training escalates quickly and certification is right down the road. "A well-rounded, water-loving dog can typically pass our level 1 program in 12 months. That allows them to patrol from a beach front with a lifeguard handler. To do higher level watercraft deployments can take 18-24 months of training. Our Helicast trained dogs are the most elite. These dogs have done helicopter flights and simulated rescues from the helicopter. Most dogs do not reach this level.”
Even certified dogs stay sharp year-round. "Our dogs typically work every weekend from Memorial Day through Labor Day. When they are not working they still swim and do some training exercises throughout the week. Our certification expires every 2 years just like a human lifeguard's. Our techniques and training skillset are constantly updated and evaluated."
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.”
Ode to Oakley
The heart and soul of every mission, a long-time Rex Specs ambassador, and George’s first Newfoundland - Oakley was a one-of-a-kind K9.
"She was incredible. We traveled the world with her. She went to Italy and became a certified SICS water rescue dog,” George shares. Oakley made 5 helocast deployments and saved 3 human lives through her time as a water rescue k9. She also helped train George’s current dog, Kelby.
"Everything I currently do involving dogs and water rescue started with Oakley. We lost her unexpectedly in December of 2023. Her legacy lives on in all of our water rescue dogs."
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.
Want to learn more or get involved? Visit k9lifeguards.org and discover how you can be part of the mission.