Coast guards everywhere can learn a thing or two from their Italian counterparts, who have created a special K9 lifeguard unit made up of Newfoundland dogs.

These pooches are intelligent, gentle, and above all, known for bravely saving swimmers in distress.



Water Rescue Dogs

The Newfoundlands are trained for a minimum of three years.



Water Rescue Dogs

After which, they’re able to jump from speeding boats and hovering helicopters, and use their immense strength to pull drowning swimmers to safety.



Water Rescue Dogs



Water Rescue Dogs

Over 300 of these canines are on duty across Italy’s beaches, and they’re responsible for saving around 3,000 people each year.



Water Rescue Dogs

“The dog becomes a sort of intelligent lifebuoy,” Roberto Gasparri, the coordinator for the Italian School of Water Rescue Dogs, told Dog Heirs.



Water Rescue Dogs

“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.”



Water Rescue Dogs



Water Rescue Dogs

We salute you, lovely Newfoundlands!



Water Rescue Dogs

For more on these amazing creatures and their work, visit the Italian School Of Water Rescue Dogs.