There is a nationwide lifeguard shortage. Pools and stretches of the ocean have mainly gone unattended due to repercussions from the Great Resignation and COVID-19. The problem is so bad that OpenTheBooks Substack reports that in 2021, a California lifeguard named Daniel Douglas made $510,283 in salary, bonuses, perks, and overtime pay. Douglas was able to amass his fortune because there weren’t as many professionals in his field competing for hours and beach time. While a lack of colleagues is lucrative for him, it’s proving a massive issue for families who wish to bring their beloved pets to the beach or poolside with them. 

After all, nothing is more adorable than watching a family pet splash in the pool or watching animals frolic in the ocean. Sadly, for households with various species of pets, rescuing them from the water in times of distress can prove challenging. Adding to this is that many pet parents aren’t aware that not all dogs can swim. What happens when a family pet and a human are in the water, a riptide comes in, and there’s only one lifeguard on duty? It’s a distressing thought to fathom, but there’s no guarantee that both will be rescued, nor is it a given that a human will sacrifice themselves to ensure the animal’s safety.

Dr. Ashley Allen, a clinical assistant professor of emergency and critical care medicine from the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine spoke about a family dog that was resuscitated after a near-drowning in the backyard pool. She told The Veterinary Page: “My team and I were able to get the little guy back. However, we found that he had severe noncardiogenic pulmonary edema — fluid in the lungs not associated with heart disease — which is common in near-drowning events. I talked to the family about how critical he was and that he needed to be re-intubated and transferred to UF’s Small Animal Hospital on the transport ventilator. I also gave them expectations going forward.” The dog survived his ordeal, but even with quick action from first responders, he still suffered side effects from his rescue.

The lifeguard shortage is so problematic for pets because incidents of drowning animals have been on the rise in recent years. Pet Place reports that approximately 5,000 pets drown annually. Not only that, but the animal that drowns is often more than just friend to the humans in their lives. In many cases, they are companions to another animal in the family’s care. Interspecies pet friendships are authentic and plentiful in the animal world. Witnessing a pet grieve the loss of its loved one is heartbreaking but illustrates the importance of keeping animals protected on land and in the water.

Animals must be given opportunities to socialize and play. Still, humans cannot leave pets in their care to fend for themselves, especially around unsupervised bodies of water. With a lack of lifeguards employed at public beaches and pools, it’s not unlikely to lose sight of a beloved family friend. It might be even harder to provide emergency care if things go wrong. Before an outing near the water, a course in animal CPR or outfitting a pet in a life vest is highly recommended. Humans must also remain vigilant to staying safe in the water to ensure that their animals have someone to take care of them.

Source: Pet Place, Golden State Lifeguards, The Veterinary Page