UK Campaigners Warn of Dangers of Open Waters for Dogs

Dogs Trust has launched a new campaign to warn dog owners about the dangers of open waters in the UK. The campaign, titled "If in doubt, keep your dog out", aims to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities that occur when dogs and their owners are around lakes, canals, rivers, and the sea.

The campaign is prompted by data from the Royal National Lifeboat Institute, which shows that between 2021 and 2025, there were 308 dog-related incidents in open water in the UK. Almost all of these incidents took place on the coast, with about a third occurring between June and September of those years.

| Incident Type | Number of Incidents | | --- | --- | | Dog-related incidents in open water | 308 | | Accidental deaths due to drowning in England | 10 (2019-2025) | | Accidental deaths due to animal rescue | 12 (2019-2025) |

The National Water Safety Forum also reports that there were 10 accidental deaths due to drowning in England between 2019 and 2025 linked to animal rescue, and 12 linked to dog walking.

Dogs Trust notes that many cases were related to dogs - or people attempting to rescue them - needing help after entering the water. Strong currents and fatigue can pose a risk, too.

Emma-Jane Thomas, rehoming manager at Dogs Trust Kenilworth, warns that not all dogs are natural swimmers, and even strong swimmers can get into difficulties in the water. She advises owners to "stop, check and think about what could be the dangers" before allowing their dogs to enter open water.

Thomas also cautions against attempting a rescue should a dog get into trouble. "If your dog's in difficulty, it could then be two emergencies, not just one," she said. "If you can see a safe place where your dog can exit the water, call your dog there with their recall. If you can't do that, call emergency services and they will come and assist with dog emergencies."

The campaign also highlights the risks of blue-green algae, which can be toxic to dogs. Emily Mills, veterinary projects manager at Dogs Trust, notes that dogs can become unwell from drinking contaminated water or simply cleaning it from their fur after swimming. Symptoms can be seen as little as 15 minutes after exposure and may progress rapidly to become fatal.

An online survey of 2,000 owners in the UK, conducted in June, revealed that many may be unaware of such risks. 33% of respondents reported that they did not believe blue-green algae posed a serious risk to dogs, while 19% were unaware that calm-looking water can still pose serious risks.

Dogs Trust hopes that the campaign will raise awareness about the risks of open waters for dogs and encourage owners to take precautions to keep their dogs safe.