The American Academy of Canine Water Rescue is a non-profit organization founded by Maria E. Gray, PhD, with the primary goal of reducing or eliminating deaths by drowning. Our staff has been trained by the Italian School of Water Rescue Dogs in Milan, Italy. We utilize the same techniques that have been refined and used for over 30 years by the K9 lifeguard teams in Italy.
Our Mission:
Create lifeguard and water rescue K9 teams to help protect lakes and beaches. When not actively patrolling or training, utilize the teams to educate the public on water safety through demonstrations and safety seminars.
Maria Gray, PhD
Chairman
Dr. Maria Gray has been training and working with canines for over 30 years. She obtained her PhD from the University of California at Berkeley, CA in 1995, accompanied throughout her graduate work by her first Newfoundland dog, Quantum. Since then she has traveled and worked with dogs throughout the world, training extensively with SICS in Italy for nearly a decade, and in 2018 founded the American Academy of Canine Water Rescue 501(c)(3), dedicated to eliminating death by drowning. Her Newfoundland, Angel, is certified in Italy by SICS, and holds all three levels of certification from the American Academy of Canine Water Rescue and is one of only two American Newfoundlands (the other being Oakley) to have helocasted in the style of SICS to date. She holds certification for helo crew operations and canine helocasting.
George Abraham
President
George Abraham is Oakley and Kelby’s primary water rescue handler. With lifeguard, CPR, AED, and first aid qualifications, George is dedicated to ensuring the safety of others in aquatic environments. Additionally, he holds certifications for water egress, helocasting, and helo crew operations.
Katelyn Abraham
Vice President
Kate has been working with the Academy for 6 years. She is skilled in both basic and advanced obedience training. She is also lifeguard certified, helocast, helicopter crew member and water egress certified.
Artemis Tsagarakis
Instructor
Dolores Romano Everett
Instructor/Lifeguard
