Fla. Lifeguards Learn Pet CPR

April 19--The idea for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue -- Ocean Rescue Lifeguards to learn Pet CPR came from a tragedy.

Last year, a dog died at Haulover Park -- where there is a dog park -- after it drowned.

"One day, a dog started drowning and was rescued by Miami-Dade Fire Ocean Rescue Personnel, but the dog went into cardiac arrest and unfortunately, the dog didn't survive," said Ocean Rescue Captain Luiz Morizot in a release. "The lifeguards had never received a formal training on dog CPR and acted to the best of their knowledge by applying the concepts of human resuscitation."

But learning how to save dogs is a bit different.

During an American Red Cross day-long class, the lifeguards at Haulover Park learned proper muzzling and rescue restraint techniques in order to protect the animal and the rescuers, choking intervention, mouth-to-nose breathing techniques and CPR.

"With Haulover Beach and Park now including a dog swim area, our Miami-Dade Fire Rescue --Ocean Rescue Lifeguards continue to excel while furthering skills and abilities to meet the needs of all in Miami-Dade County, this includes humans and canines," said Commissioner Sally Heyman in statement.

Carli Teproff: 305-376-3587, @CTeproff

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