Italian Sics rescue dogs protect swimmers across all 20 regions

The Italian School of Rescue Dogs (Sics) was founded in 1989 by Ferruccio Pilenga after his six‑year‑old daughter was saved from drowning by the family Newfoundland dog, Mas. Operating in all 20 Italian regions, Sics now manages a network of about 400 trained dogs, primarily Newfoundland breeds, equipped with bright yellow floating harnesses.

Each summer the canine units patrol beaches in coordination with the Guardia Costiera and lifeguards, detecting silent drowning incidents and alerting rescuers. The program reportedly saves 20‑30 people annually. Official recognition came in 1996 from the Corps of Port Captains, and a formal collaboration with the Coast Guard was signed in 2015, allowing dogs to board rescue boats regularly.