PHOTO GALLERY | Lee County Animal Services Technical Rescue Team water-based training

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Eric Thompson of the Lee County Animal Services Technical Rescue Team explains how the day’s training will be conducted. MARK CLIFFORD

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Carla Lewis of the Lee County Animal Services Technical Rescue Team demonstrates how to properly move a “leashed” animal into a small animal carrier. Agencies across the state attended the water-based trainings sessions at Lee County Parks & Recreation’s Dog Beach. MARK CLIFFORD

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Carla Lewis of the Lee County Animal Services Technical Rescue Team demonstrates how to properly move a “leashed” animal into a small animal carrier. Agencies across the state attended the water-based trainings sessions at Lee County Parks & Recreation’s Dog Beach. MARK CLIFFORD

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A member of the Florida State Guard Maritime Response Squadron pulls the “leashed” inflatable Dalmatian onto the boat. MARK CLIFFORD

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A member of the Florida State Guard Maritime Response Squadron prepares to move the “leashed” inflatable Dalmatian into the small animal carrier. MARK CLIFFORD

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Lee County Animal Services Technical Rescue Team conducted water-based training sessions at Lee County Parks & Recreation’s Dog Beach on Estero Boulevard just north of Lovers Key State Park last week. Agencies taking part in the specialized training, which included marine units, proper rescue devices and inflatables in need of rescue, included Lee County Domestic Animal Services, DeSoto County Fire Rescue, U.S. Coast Guard, the Florida State Guard, Lee County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Unit, Pinellas County Park Police, Sumter County Fire, Volusia County Fire and the Florida State Guard Maritime Response Squadron. The drills were a response to the fact that after Hurricane Ian, the various rescue teams rescued not only people, but 64 pets, too. ALL PHOTOS BY MARK CLIFFORD