Stella, Alaska, Rosi, and Marea

The Frehel Fellowship 2025
Collective Edition

Awarded to Stella, Alaska, Rosi, and Marea in recognition of their outstanding service promoting safety, inclusion, and the human-animal bond across land and sea.

Waves of Safety, Bonds of Trust: Dogs Who Inspire, Educate, and Protect

Noble Alliance is proud to honor Stella, Alaska, Rosi, and Marea — four extraordinary aquatic rescue dogs who have been serving within the Canine Unit of the Lifesaving Society (SNS) in Tuscany, a specialized unit operating under the umbrella of Italy’s Protezione Civile. These dogs and their handlers exemplify the highest standards of discipline, skill, and dedication in service to the public.

The Nucleo Cinofilo SNS focuses on training and deploying canine units for lifesaving missions in aquatic environments. Each dog and their handler build a deep bond through intensive training, mastering a range of complex techniques—from swimming alongside a victim, to towing multiple people to shore, to executing rescues at long distances and from moving boats. Their excellence is backed by national certifications: the dogs are accredited in aquatic rescue, and the handlers are certified lifeguards — fully qualified professionals engaged in public safety operations.

Dogs like Stella, Alaska, Rosi, and Marea exemplified this commitment, having supported countless safety efforts with their readiness and precision. Their presence not only reassured beachgoers but also strengthened the bond between humans and animals in service of protecting lives in aquatic environments.

Yet their impact doesn’t stop at sea. Rosi and Marea, sisters in life as well as in mission, have extended their service into other vital areas. Both are active participants in educational programs within schools and serve in support roles for children with special needs. Their presence offers comfort, inclusion, and inspiration — embodying the spirit of service, compassion, and the elevating power of the human-animal bond.

Dear Stella, Alaska, Rosi, and Marea,

With great respect and heartfelt admiration, Noble Alliance awards you the Frehel Fellowship. You are not only rescuers but also educators, companions, and changemakers. Your work protects lives, uplifts young minds, and brings humanity closer to its best self — through trust, loyalty, and love.

This honor celebrates not just your heroism, but the enduring value you bring to society through your actions, presence, and example.

With gratitude and recognition,

Noble Alliance Association

Power in Action

300000

Is the number of annual drowning deaths worldwide (WHO 2024)

Drowning is the fourth leading cause of death for children aged 1–4 years and the third leading cause of death for children aged 5–14 years. (WHO 2024)

Children aged under 5 years account for nearly a quarter of all drowning deaths. (WHO 2024)

The Canine Unit of the Livesaving Society

Canine-assisted aquatic rescue is a specialized field where highly trained dogs support lifeguards and rescue teams in saving lives in water environments. These dogs, often breeds like Newfoundlands, Labradors, and Portuguese Water Dogs, possess natural swimming ability, strength, and endurance that make them invaluable in aquatic emergencies. Their training is rigorous and multifaceted: dogs learn to respond promptly to distress calls, swim with rescue equipment, and even board rescue boats or jet skis to reach victims farther offshore.

Meanwhile, handlers undergo professional lifeguard and rescue training to ensure seamless communication and coordination with their canine partners. This intensive joint preparation builds a strong bond and ensures both dog and handler can perform complex rescues safely, even in challenging conditions such as strong currents or rough seas.

Beyond direct rescues, these dogs contribute significantly to public safety through prevention and education programs. Canine units actively participate in beach patrols, water rescue drills, school visits, and community events to raise awareness about drowning risks and promote safe behavior near water.

While they may not always be called upon to perform actual rescues, their presence enhances rescue teams’ readiness and public confidence.

Their role exemplifies the extraordinary partnership between humans and dogs, extending the capabilities of emergency responders and helping reduce drowning incidents—a global health challenge that claims around 300,000 lives annually, according to the World Health Organization.