According to the Delaware Division of Public Health’s Office of Animal Welfare, its dispatch center received a call just after 11 a.m., Nov. 6 about a dog that needed to be rescued from the water about one mile south of the Indian River Inlet.
Officials said that while swimming, 4-year-old “Cruz” was swept about 500 yards offshore and was unable to return to land on his own. DAS officers were dispatched and requested water rescue equipment and assistance from the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company.
Two Bethany Beach firefighters in cold water wet suits used a personal watercraft equipped for water rescues to retrieve Cruz and bring him back to shore. He was assessed by DAS officers, who said they found him to be cold and tired, but otherwise fine. Cruz was released to go home with his family.
The OAW advises residents not to attempt to rescue animals in distress on their own, especially around cold water or ice. Animal-related emergencies can be reported to the 24-hour Delaware Animal Services hotline at 302-255-4646.
