Surf Rescue Dog trial

Omanu Surf Life Saving Club member Thomas Yule has been training his Newfoundland dog Ted to become a surf rescue dog.

In a concept developed as part of his participation in last year's BP Leaders for Life programme, the idea behind the project is to explore the suitability of having trained surf rescue dogs on our beaches.

The project has been endorsed by Surf Life Saving New Zealand, but it is not directly involved in the project or financially supporting it.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand lifesaving services and education manager Allan Mundy says it is a concept worth investigating.

"It's good to look at what other tools are used in rescue situations around the world and investigate their suitability for surf lifesaving in New Zealand. We look forward to seeing the outcome of Thomas' investigations," he says.

Media coverage:

3 News: http://www.3news.co.nz/nznews/dogs-new-recruits-in-surf-lifesaving-operations-2015041217

Bay of Plenty Times: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503343&objectid=11430582 

For more information, please contact:

Lisa Honeybone, Media & Communications Specialist, SLSNZ
Phone 09 303 9335 or 0276 488 823
Email lisa.honeybone@surflifesaving.org.nz