Junior members of the Tenby Surf Lifesaving Club witnessed a thrilling demonstration by Newfoundland water rescue dogs recently.

Junior members of the club were treated to a demonstration of the work of Newfoundland water rescue dogs Bandit (5 years old) and Tahoe (18 months old) hosted at the seaside town’s harbour beach on November 4.

Lifeguard trainers Tai Jackson and Angelo Fecci entered the water and simulated a number of real-world scenarios for Bandit and Tahoe to deal with under the watchful eye of their handler Cheryl Ann Payne while local children watched from the shoreline.

After the demonstration the children had the opportunity to meet and learn more about the Newfoundland breed, how they are suited to water work and how they are trained to save lives.

Owner Cheryl Ann Payne said:“Bandit and Taho are trained in water rescue to help promote water safety. Whilst on holiday they joined in with the Tenby Surf lifesavers to undertake some sea training - and show how they can rescue people.”

Angelo said:“This is the third year that the dogs – part of NEWFS IN ACTION - have visited the resort and undertaken training with our members having previously joined the club’s senior and beach lifeguard members.

“As well as providing an operational lifeguard service to the local community we are very proud of our water safety education programs and opportunities like this allow local children to experience something truly remarkable, while learning vital safety messages that they will likely never forget.”

Tenby Surf Lifesaving Club, founded in 1993, is a volunteer run, donation funded local independent charity whose mission is to save life, whether by prevention or by rescue.

If you are over 16 years old and interested in joining or being part of Tenby Surf Lifesaving Clubs team please contact them via: [email protected]