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

The personality of the Newfoundland breed is calm, gentle, intelligent and brave.

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

Just another day at the office...

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

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

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

Here's a video of them in action:

Learn more at Italian School Of Water Rescue Dogs.

Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz

feel good videoCouple Rescues Prairie Dog From Their Dog's Mouth, Then Decides To Adopt It

feel good storiesHungry Elephant Casually Walks Into Grocery Store For Snacks In Thailand

feel good storiesWild Orcas Keep Giving Humans Gifts, Leaving Experts Puzzled

feel good storiesMy Girlfriend Gifted Me My Father’s Handwriting To Keep Forever

feel good storiesWe Can’t Stop Looking At These Adorable Baby Loon Photos Taken On A Lake

feel good storiesThis Couple Built A Grass Patch For Their Cat, And She’s Obsessed With It

feel good video'Am I Allowed To Be This Happy?' The Moment A Nervous Foster Dog Finally Lies In A Dog Bed

feel good videoGrandma Thinks She's 60. Her Reaction To Learning She's 90 Is Priceless

feel good videoBaby Elephant’s Trunk Steals The Show In Adorable Treat Time Video

feel good videoChicken Or Pigeon? The Internet Can’t Believe This Bird Is Real

feel good videoBear Vs. Sprinkler: Hilarious Garden Moment Caught On Camera

Chris Filippou 12:17 PM (3 minutes ago) to me