The Italian Coast Guard Uses Newfoundlands To Rescue People. Here They Are In Action!

September 7, 2015

Italy's Coast Guard has Newfoundlands that can leap from helicopters and speeding boats to aid swimmers in trouble. They are the world's first airborne dog rescue team.

newfoundland coast guard dog Italy
photo via Italian School Of Water Rescue Dogs

The Newfoundlands are required to spend a minimum of three years training before they can jump from moving transports and are considered expert rescuers.

newfoundland coast guard dog Italy
photo via Italian School Of Water Rescue Dogs

Their tremendous strength and swimming ability means they can paddle to shore with a person quite easily.

newfoundland coast guard dog Italy
photo via Italian School Of Water Rescue Dogs

Over 300 dogs are on duty at beaches throughout Italy, where millions of people visit each summer. The Italian Coast Guard says it rescues about 3,000 people every year.

newfoundland coast guard dog Italy
photo via Italian School Of Water Rescue Dogs

Many trainers say the dogs retrieve instinctively and see it as a game, rather than work.

newfoundland coast guard dog Italy
photo via Italian School Of Water Rescue Dogs

Roberto Gasbarri, who coordinates the program at the Italian School of Canine Lifeguards, says: "Dogs are useful in containing the physical fatigue of the lifeguard, to increase the speed at which casualties are retrieved, to increase the security of both the casualty and of the lifeguard. The dog becomes a sort of intelligent lifebuoy. It is a buoy that goes by itself to a person in need of help, and comes back to the shore also by himself, choosing the best landing point and swimming through the safest currents."

newfoundland coast guard dog Italy
photo via Italian School Of Water Rescue Dogs