AirTag aids in locating dog swept out to sea during miraculous lifeguard rescue

A black lab-mix went missing in San Diego and was miraculously rescued after being carried out to sea by a strong rip current. The dog, named Sadie, was located nearly two miles away thanks to an AirTag attached to her collar.

On Sunday, a surfer at Ocean Beach spotted a dog in the Mission Bay channel and immediately contacted the San Diego Fire Department lifeguards. This prompted a swift, hour-long search using jet skis to bring the dog safely back to shore.

Sadie, aged five, had slipped out of a house during a football game. Her owners were able to track her with the AirTag, which ultimately guided rescuers to her location in the open water.

Lifeguard Garrett Smerdon, who participated in the operation, said the team remained determined to save Sadie. We knew there was a good chance she was still alive. Just a five-year-old lab. Theyre fighters, he shared in a video posted by the fire department.

The rescue came just as the search was about to be called off. Rescuers spotted Sadie about half a mile offshore near South Mission Beach. Lifeguards raced to her, transferring the frightened dog to a surf boat that carried her back to Lifeguard Headquarters, where she was reunited with her relieved owners.

Lifeguard Jack Alldredge, who witnessed Sadie in the water, described the moment: We got closer and closer and realized it was her. We were thrilled. We wanted a happy ending, and were grateful she survived this traumatic experience.

Sadies safe return highlighted the importance of technology like AirTags in reuniting lost pets with their families and demonstrated the dedication and skill of the lifeguards involved in the rescue.

Author: Lucas Grant