Italian Lifeguard Dog Training Course in Marina di Massa, Digi Mart USA News (Marina di Massa, Italy): Nearly thirty aspiring rescuers, accompanied by their dogs, took part in the second lesson of the course leading to certification from the Scuola Italiana Cani da Salvataggio of Florence. The session took place on the beach at Marina di Massa, in front of the Torre Fiat, with the aim of training new canine units for safety and rescue services along the coastline.
The training program drew participants from outside Tuscany, particularly from Lombardy, confirming interest in water rescue activities assisted by dogs. Among those enrolled are handlers working with breeds that are not traditionally used in this field, including Newfoundlands, Labradors and Golden Retrievers.
One of the innovations of the 2026 edition was opening the course to people with disabilities, who were involved in the school’s training activities for the first time. The aim is to broaden opportunities for participation through a dedicated pathway preparing dog and handler teams.
The Scuola Italiana Cani da Salvataggio of Florence already provides bathing assistance services at several locations along the Tuscan coast. Beaches monitored by its volunteers include the free beach at Forte dei Marmi and the Marina di Massa area that hosted the lesson.
The importance of these activities is also reflected in the results of the previous bathing season: canine units operating in seven Tuscan locations contributed to the rescue of eleven people, including three children.
