Pete Lewin Newfoundlands
Pete Lewin Newfoundlands offer emotional support swims, education and demonstrations in water rescue, along with health and well-being seminars to individuals, schools, groups and charities in the UK and worldwide.
Pete Lewin Newfoundlands is a non-profit organisation that offers emotional support to people who may benefit from swimming and interaction with Newfoundland dogs. We offer support for staff from front-line emergency services, military veterans, and those struggling with their mental health.
We provide this service through swimming in open water with our beautiful Newfoundlands and are proud to be part of a global support network aimed at preventing suicide. Out of the water, we offer interactive water safety workshops and emotional support well-being sessions around the United Kingdom.
The Founder
Peter Lewin is a long serving Paramedic with East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust and since April 1996, has served the people of Leicestershire in their hour of need. Not only has he helped countless members of the public, but he has also supported his colleagues and their friends and family throughout this time, and continues to do so to this day.
Around the time he joined the ambulance service, Pete got his first Newfoundland and his love for the breed has been evident ever since.
His knowledge and expertise in getting the best from his Newfoundlands and promoting the amazing work that they do, is testament to what he has achieved and the support he has around him today. He is a selfless character that loves doing nothing more than spending time with his dogs and helping others.
Where It All Began
Pete Lewin Newfoundlands began as a water rescue demonstration group. Whilst working as a HART Paramedic and being trained in water rescue, Pete saw the potential for the dogs to be used in real life rescue. Along with his team, Pete developed immobilisation manoeuvres and a human cradle to rescue people involved in water incidents, using the dogs to pull them back to shore. He toured the country showing fire services and rescue teams the capabilities of this amazing dog breed but unfortunately, nothing came of this.
Pete and his Newfoundlands continued to do water safety workshops at schools and after to listening to feedback from others, he learned of the positive effects his dogs brought to people. Pete didn’t want his Newfoundlands to be just therapy dogs as there are many fantastic therapy dogs around already. He wanted to do something different, something unique, something that would show the full potential of the Newfoundland breed and his boys.
Why Newfoundlands?
The Newfoundland breed originates from Canada and were used initially as service and rescue dogs across fishing fleets. They have amazing swimming abilities which are still prevalent today and have a natural inclination towards water rescue.
What makes them such incredible water dogs is that they have partially webbed feet and super strength, pulling 10 full grown men through the water with no issue. The average male Newfoundland can grow up to 150lb / 68kg and are quite high maintenance due to their year-round hair shedding, resulting in daily brushing needs.
Newfoundlands are one of the most loyal, affectionate, and protective breeds you can find. They have a gentleness towards children and are laid-back, relaxed and love to chill with some fuss.
Above all else, they are one of the most handsome dogs around and make fantastic emotional support dogs.
To contact Pete Lewin Newfoundlands click the button to visit their website or click one of their social media links:
Funding and Sponsorship
The Volunteers
The volunteers are made up of ambulance service staff and individuals who have all experienced the positive effects of swimming in open water with Pete Lewin Newfoundlands. They are a group of caring and compassionate individuals, who dedicate their time in supporting peoples experience with the Newfoundlands.
Funding
As we are a non-profit organisation, we rely on sponsorship and donations to buy the equipment we use at our sessions. If you would like to discuss becoming a sponsor, head over to the Contact Us page and send us a message. If you would like to make a donation to Pete Lewin Newfoundlands, please click HERE.
