The Dogs Trust has launched a national campaign called ‘If in Doubt, Keep Your Dog Out’ to highlight the risks, including hidden currents, pollution, and other hazards.

The charity hopes the campaign will prevent avoidable harm to both dogs and their owners.

Data from the RNLI reveals there were 308 dog-related water incidents across the UK between 2021 and 2025—more than one per week on average.

One-third of these incidents happened during the summer, when more people and pets are near canals, rivers and lakes.

Owen Sharp, chief executive at Dogs Trust, said: “One preventable water incident is one too many.

“We know these figures don’t tell the whole story, but every rescue is a reminder that calm-looking water isn’t always safe.

“Taking a few moments to assess the risks could save your dog’s life—and your own.”

How to keep my dog safe around open water

The Dogs Trust has created a Water Safety Checklist to help owners spot hazards before letting their dogs enter open water.

Before letting your dog into open water, Dogs Trust urges owners to check:

• Water quality – is it clear, clean and free from pollution?
• Current strength – is the water calm or fast-flowing?
• Exit points – can your dog easily get in and out?
• Presence of algae – look out for green scum or blooms.
• Water temperature – is the water likely to be cold?
• Presence of other wildlife – are there animals that may react to your dog?
• Nearby warning signs – follow any local advice.
• Depth – is it suitable for your dog’s size and swimming ability?
• Surroundings – any steep banks, slippery surfaces or loose rocks?

The majority of water incidents involved dogs entering the water and needing help, people entering the water to rescue them, and accidents caused by hidden dangers below the surface.

August 2025 recorded the highest number of water-related human fatalities, according to the Water Incident Database (WAID).

The Dogs Trust survey of 2,000 dog owners found that 74% felt confident in judging water safety for their pets.

However, only 35% realised that no type of open water can be considered entirely safe.

Worryingly, 80% of owners said they would go into the water to rescue their dog if it got into difficulty—despite the serious personal risk.

The ‘If in Doubt, Keep Your Dog Out’ campaign urges owners to stop, check and think before allowing their dog near open water.

It also warns against assuming that water is safe just because it appears calm.

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The campaign is part of a wider effort to promote responsible dog ownership.

The Dogs Trust and RSPCA have also launched the Dog Ownership Guide (DOG), developed following a national consultation with more than 36,000 public responses and input from over 30 organisations.

The guide defines responsible dog ownership and offers practical advice for owners at every stage.

Were you aware of advice to keep your dogs safe around open water? Let us know in the comments.

Officers have closed off Donnington Bridge at the junction with Townsend Square following a crash in the late hours of yesterday night (Tuesday, August 4).

A police presence has been at the scene since last night and is continuing into the early hours of today (Wednesday, August 5).

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The road has been closed with a cordon of police tape now in place preventing vehicles from passing through, and multiple police vehicles are at the scene.

In a breaking news alert just after midnight, Thames Valley Police announced that a crash had occurred and appealed for those with information to come forward.

A spokesperson for the police force said: “Donnington Bridge Road is currently closed at the junction with Townsend Square following a collision.

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“Any drivers should avoid the area as much as possible, and we will provide more information when we can.

“Anyone with information or footage related to the collision should call 101 or make a report online, quoting reference 2801 of yesterday.”

An eyewitness who wished to remain anonymous told this newspaper: “It looks quite scary from a distance.

“I can see a motorcycle on the pavement and a car nearby.”

Stand By Me: Bob Harris – A Celebration Of Life In Music will take place in London on December 2.

The one-off show will also include performances by Rick Wakeman, Carly Pearce, Chris Difford, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Judie Tzuke, Kate Rusby, The Shires, Kezia Gill and Toby Lee.

READ MORE: Broadcasting legend leaves BBC radio

In June, it was announced that the broadcaster, who lives in Steventon, near Abingdon, was standing down from hosting his Radio 2 shows Sounds Of The 70s and Radio 2 Country because of ill health.

The radio veteran, 80, has prostate cancer and in April he revealed it has spread to his upper spine.

Mr Harris said at the time leaving his shows has been “one of the hardest decisions of my life”.

Sir Roger Daltrey of The Who (Image: PA)

He added: “It’s incredible to think that my broadcasting career has spanned almost 56 years. I am very fortunate to have spent my entire working life doing something I love so much.

“I am a massive BBC loyalist, and I’m grateful that I have always been given the freedom to build my programmes in my own way.

“Most of my time on air has been spent with my fabulous family at Radio 2 and it has been such a joy to broadcast on this world-class radio station.

“I am so proud that the Radio 2 Country Show has played such a massive part in propelling country to become the fastest-growing music genre in the UK, and presenting Sounds Of The 70s on Sunday afternoons has been a real pleasure and made my time here the most special of my entire life.

“But more than anything, I want to say thank you to my listeners. I have put everything I have into every show I’ve ever done, and it’s all been because of you. Your love and loyalty mean more to me than words can ever say.

“I am so sorry that my health issues are forcing me to step down, but I realise that I must concentrate on getting myself well again.

“This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life, but I would never want to be doing programmes knowing that I am unable to give you 100 per cent.”

Following the announcement regarding the show, Bob Harris said he was honoured.

He told The Standard: “I’ve been blessed and honoured to have been there with all these artists right at the beginning of their careers, so we all have long working relationships and deep friendships.

“I truly love the Royal Albert Hall too. I first began attending concerts there in 1968, and it is, to me, the most beautiful and prestigious venue in Britain.

“So I feel so honoured to have these wonderful artists with me onstage at my favourite venue. Bringing this music together for Stand By Me is the realisation of a dream.”

The event will also feature broadcasting and music industry figures on stage to present the show and share their memories of Harris.