Open water dog 'rescue’ support for ex-servicemen

Six ex-Armed Forces servicemen from Leicestershire will be taking part in an NHS-supported open water experience with trained rescue dogs, to help them with post-traumatic stress disorder.

The men will be ‘rescued’ from Stanton Lakes today by specially trained Newfoundland dogs as part of the mental health support they are receiving from Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s Armed Forces service.

The four-hour experience, arranged by the Trust’s Armed Forces lead Brendan Daly, will see them accompanied into the water by trainer Pete Lewin with his team and emotional support swimming dogs.

Pete, 62, has worked with Newfoundlands as a hobby for around 25 years as physical rescue and display dogs, and most recently as emotional support swimming dogs. 

Brendan explains: “Pete has developed a new approach to open water swimming with dogs. In the US they do a similar programme for people who are recovering from substance misuse. Pete’s devised international rescue techniques in water and I have been keen to get some sessions like these off the ground to help veterans for some time now.”

Pete says it was personal experience and feedback from other participants about the mental wellbeing impact of the water rescues that made him realise their potential for a new and unique experience to support people with mental health needs.

He says: “It’s an experience which allows you to take your mind off any issues. The dogs love it and they don’t judge o people are free to take time to relax and experience the sights and sounds around them. I’ve lost two of my dogs quite recently and it’s helped me personally.”

It'll be tested for the first time today when the six Armed Forces veterans stride out into the water after months of coping with PTSD during Lockdown.