Bruno the Dalmatian, eager to jump into the water, stands on a short lead at Earlswood Lakes near Solihull in the West Midlands. The park, filled with tall purple flowers and trees that rustle in the breeze, seems like a perfect place for dogs to play and cool off in the summer heat. Yet, behind the peaceful appearance, there are dangers that many pet owners overlook.
Dogs Trust has highlighted a significant number of incidents involving dogs in open water in the UK. Between 2021 and 2025, 308 dog-related open water incidents were recorded, according to data obtained from the Royal National Lifeboat Institute. Most of these incidents happened near the coast. Additionally, around a third occurred during the warmer months of June through September. The National Water Safety Forum also reported 10 accidental drowning deaths in England between 2019 and 2025 that were linked to dog walking or rescue attempts.
Rising Water Dangers for Dogs
Canal water dangers are on the rise. Many of these incidents involved dogs and their owners who struggled once they entered the water. Strong currents, fatigue, and hidden obstacles pose serious risks that can lead to accidents.
At Earlswood Lakes, a small yellow warning sign alerts visitors to the presence of blue-green algae. These cyanobacteria thrive in warm weather, creating visible scums and blooms on the water surface. The Environment Agency warns that not all blue-green algae are toxic, but it advises people to treat them as if they are. This caution is based on the potential for these microorganisms to release harmful substances.
Emily Mills, veterinary projects manager at Dogs Trust, explained the risks associated with blue-green algae. Dogs can fall ill from ingesting contaminated water or from contact with it after swimming. Symptoms may appear within 15 minutes and can quickly progress to fatal outcomes. This highlights the importance of awareness and caution when dogs are in or around open water.
Local Concerns and Lack of Warnings
Local resident Sally, who walks her rescue border collie Billy at the park, expressed concern over the lack of warning signs about blue-green algae. While she keeps Billy on a lead for safety, she noticed many dogs are off-lead in the area. This situation raises fears about potential accidents or exposure to the algae.
A recent survey conducted by Dogs Trust in June 2025 involved 2,000 UK dog owners and revealed significant gaps in knowledge about water safety. Thirty-three percent of respondents did not consider blue-green algae a serious threat to their pets. Similarly, 19% were unaware that calm-looking water could still present dangers. These findings indicate a pressing need for education and awareness campaigns.
Public Misunderstanding and Risky Behavior
Eighty percent of those surveyed said they would enter the water to rescue their dogs, despite the risks to themselves. Emma-Jane Thomas, rehoming manager at Dogs Trust Kenilworth, emphasized that attempting a rescue can lead to two emergencies instead of one. She advises pet owners to call emergency services if their dog is in trouble and cannot reach a safe exit. “Water safety starts with stopping, checking, and thinking,” Thomas said, urging people to assess the situation before taking action.
Thomas pointed out that the risks of open water are not limited to drowning. Steep banks can trap dogs who struggle to find their way out, and hidden debris like broken glass, trolleys, or branches can cause injuries. Fatigue is also a factor, even for strong swimmers. She encourages owners to balance their dogs' love of water with a realistic understanding of the hidden dangers that lie beneath the surface.
Despite the risks, Thomas stressed that Dogs Trust does not want to discourage dogs from enjoying water. The new campaign with the catchline "If in doubt, keep your dog out" aims to promote awareness and ensure that pets and their owners can enjoy open water areas safely. By understanding the potential hazards, owners can better protect their dogs and themselves from accidents.
Thomas reiterated the message that it is important to stop and think before entering open water. She advised pet owners to check for signs like blue-green algae warnings, consider the depth and slope of the banks, and avoid jumping into the water to rescue a dog unless absolutely certain it's safe. By taking these steps, owners can help prevent emergencies and ensure their pets have a fun and safe time at places like Earlswood Lakes.