Pilot and His Pup Swim to Shore After Emergency Water Landing in California
On Sunday off the coast of Rancho Palos Verdes in California emergency crews responded to a downed aircraft. The incident was reported shortly before 5:30 pm and there were two passengers on the plane - a pilot and their dog.
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, neither the pilot or their dog were injured.
Circumstances that led to the crash are unclear, but according to CBS news the pilot was reportedly flying from Santa Monica to Long Beach when one of the plane's engines failed, prompting him to make an emergency landing in the water.
Related: Michigan Pit Bull Gets in Car Crash and Runs to Doggy Day Care for Help
I can't even imagine how frightening this was for the pilot, not only to have to make an emergency landing but to have to not only get themselves to safety but their dog too. This pilot obviously loves their dog a lot to take them flying with them.
It's such a wonderful thing the dog knew how to swim too because I can't imagine how hard it would be to swim while carrying a wet dog. Thank goodness that this story has a happy ending, expect for the plane that still has to be recovered!
Why It Can Be Dangerous To Rescue a Drowning Dog
Because the above heroic situation featured a dog that knew how to swim, it's a different scenario then if you were to encounter a dog that cannot swim.
Attempting to rescue a drowning dog can be extremely dangerous for both the dog and the person attempting the rescue. Dogs may become extremely frightened in these situations and struggle in the water, increasing the chance of both you and the dog drowning.
The most important thing you can do if your dog is drowning, or you see another dog drowning, is try and remain calm. Immediately call emergency services or animal control to report the situation and seek help from the professionals who are trained to know what to do in these situations.
You can attempt to find something on shore to help the dog, like a flotation device, stick or something else for them to grab onto while you try and coax the dog to swim to safety.
Dog parents should teach their dog to swim so in case something like this does happen, your dog will know how to either stay afloat or swim to shore. Your local public pool, YMCA or dog training facility may offer classes in your area, or check with your veterinarian.
Thank goodness this pilot and their brave pup are okay!
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