They leap from helicopters or speeding boats, bringing aid to swimmers who get into trouble off Italy's popular beaches.
For these lifeguards, the doggie paddle does just fine.
Hundreds of specially trained dogs form Italy's corps of canine lifeguards, are deployed each summer to help swimmers who get into trouble in the nation's popular seas.
These "lifedogs" wear a harness or tow a buoy that victims can grab, or a raft they can sit on to be towed back to shore.
Trainer Roberto Gasbarri says it takes three years for the canines to reach expert rescue status, and currently 300 dogs are fully trained. Several are credited with saving lives.
The best breeds for the job: golden retrievers, Labradors or Newfoundlands — all natural swimmers.
Copyright 2010 AP News
