In Belgium, there are about ten aquatic lifeguard clubs. These enthusiasts are often helped by dogs to intervene in the water. They represent a valuable aid to act quickly. “The role of the dog will be to bring the victim who is placed on a board as quickly as possible to the edge“, explains Benoit Bruyère, aquatic lifeguard, in full training. “The dog will tow and I will just accompany him.“
During an exercise, in a few seconds, the victim is brought back close to the edge by canine rescue. The advantages are numerous because the help can focus on the injured.
“Newfoundland (Editor’s note: dog breed) can pull 3.5 tons in the water so it can bring us 5 or 6 people at the same time without the slightest problem. And we can reassure the victim. We must not forget that an unconscious victim is a victim who hears everything we say“, specifies André Bleyspresident of the “Terra Nova” association.
The Newfoundland’s webbed feet provide power and its tail serves as a rudder. The Golden retriever is also used and also has its particularity.
“The Newfoundland is a diesel tractor and the Golden Retriever is the fighter plane“, adds Andrew Bleys.
Belgian water rescuers are trained in emergency care or medical aid. But unfortunately, unlike France, they have no official status.
“In Belgium, at ministerial level, there is no official recognition of what we do“, explains Isabelle Moreau, treasurer of the association “Terra Nova”. “The Red Cross, Civil Protection and firefighters do not work with dogs at all, but we and. We can offer our services, but unfortunately, as there is no recognition, no one wants us, apart from private organizers on events sporty“, she specifies.
Last year, during the floods in Belgium, certain associations were intervened spontaneously to try to find missing persons.