A heroic Golden Retriever in Texas is turning heads online after training for one of the coolest jobs ever — becoming a dog lifeguard.
Astro, a 2-year-old Golden Retriever, spends his days swimming through the waves alongside veteran lifeguard and surf instructor Gene Michael Gore on South Padre Island.
And according to Gore, Astro was basically born for the job.
“Astro is a powerful and highly energetic swimmer, and has no fear of the waves — a perfect candidate for surf rescue,” Gore said.
The experienced lifeguard, who has rescued hundreds of swimmers throughout his career in Texas and Hawaii, says he’s been training Astro to help rescue people caught in dangerous surf conditions.
“He will be a fantastic rescue partner,” Gore added.
Astro reportedly works every day with Gore at the South Padre Surf Company, where he joins surfing lessons, rides on surfboards with students, and even helps teach special-needs classes.
“He loves people,” Gore proudly said.
But don’t worry — Astro isn’t being sent out into dangerous waters alone.
Gore explained that the dog will always stay by his side during rescue situations and wears his own life jacket and rescue tube for safety.
The trainer said the idea to turn Astro into a surf rescue dog came naturally after spending nearly every day together in the water for the past two years.
“So I decided to try to train and equip him for the job,” Gore explained.
And it sounds like Astro may already be developing serious lifesaving instincts.
According to Gore, the smart pup recently noticed a swimmer struggling in a rip current before he did.
The surf instructor recently shared video footage of Astro practicing water rescues on Instagram, where the adorable dog could be seen confidently swimming through the waves like a seasoned pro.
“Summer ‘26 is almost here, the rip currents will be waiting for the crowds and so will Astro,” Gore wrote in the caption.
Honestly, if you’re going to need saving at the beach, getting rescued by a Golden Retriever might be the best possible outcome.