Verona Rescue Event Highlights Water Safety and Skills Training

A lakeside filled with enthusiasts and curious spectators, the fourth event organized by the Verona section of the Società Nazionale di Salvamento with the patronage of the Municipality took place. Lifeguards, divers, and spectacular water rescue pairs composed of instructor and dog (Terra Nova and Labrador), showcased their skills, creating a day dedicated to learning and fun at the same time.

The event’s protagonists arrived late in the morning and set up all the necessary rescue equipment both in the Butterfly camping pool and along the lakeside in front. These demonstrations commenced in the afternoon, following greetings from Giuseppe Marino, national president of the Società di Salvamento.

Rescue and Intervention Activities

Carabinieri, Polizia, Vigili urbani, Guardia costiera, Vigili del fuoco, and volunteers from the Croce Rossa Italiana collaborated during the operational phase. Among the means used was also a helicopter, from which canine units were launched into the water, as usual, the crowd’s favorites at the event.

The beautiful Terra Nova dogs from Sics (Scuola Italiana Cani da Salvataggio) received their usual praise from spectators and beyond. During the land recovery phase, after completing the simulation of rescuing a swimmer in danger, one of the dogs got its paw stuck between the planks of a raft. Its whimper drew the audience’s attention, and they greeted its liberation with applause.

Closing and Acknowledgments

In the late afternoon, the day concluded, following the awarding of certificates to lifeguards and swimming instructors who passed the final course held in Verona by the Società di Salvamento. The role of this institution was emphasized by President Marino, who recalled: “Italy’s great need to see water safety guaranteed.”

Millions of people swim in the water; in our country, there are 8,000 kilometers of coasts and 4,000 kilometers of riverbanks, most of which are not monitored by those certified in rescue procedures.

Preparation, information, but also prevention: these are the fields in which the Società di Salvamento operates. Founded 130 years ago, today it has 160 sections distributed across the country.

Before dismissing the participants, Marino expressed his thanks to the Verona headquarters for the efficient organization of the event. The fifth edition is already scheduled for Sunday, June 17, 2001.

Giuditta Bolognesi