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.