At least five people were rescued by rescue dogs on the beaches of Lazio and Sicily last week, BTA reported, citing a statement from the Italian Rescue Dog School (IUCS) at the weekend.
Two boys, aged 12 and 19, were rescued by dogs Robin Hood and Zeus on Giardini Naxos beach last Saturday.
The boys went into the sea for a soccer ball, blown by the wind, and quickly fell into the current, which swept them away.
Robin Hood, a four-year-old golden retriever, and Zeus, a six-year-old Newfoundland, rushed to the rescue and rescued the boys after their mother called for help, the IUCS said.
In Montalto di Castro, near Viterbo, on the same day two sisters from Arezzo, aged 12 and 15, were rescued by Pedro, a seven-year-old golden retriever, and Mira, a six-year-old honey labrador, to cheers from holidaymakers.
Hero dogs also saved a 52-year-old local woman who was sucked into the same “hole” in the water the day before.