RNLI dog water safety 🛟🐶

We spoke to John from Llandudno Lifeboat about keeping dogs and their owners safe around the coast and water.

Walking your dog near the sea, rivers and lakes can be great fun, but accidents can happen. 

One of the most important messages is simple:

If your dog gets into difficulty in water, soft mud or on steep ground, don’t follow them.

Dogs will often find their own way out of trouble. Move somewhere safe, call or whistle your dog and, if you’re worried, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

How can I keep my dog safe around water?

John’s advice is to “know your dog and know your patch.”

Know how good your dog’s recall is and understand the area you’re walking in. Check the weather, tides and local conditions, stick to recognised paths and tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return.

Always take a charged phone and keep your dog on a short lead around cliff edges, fast-moving water, soft mud, wildlife and livestock.

What equipment should I take?

Normal dog-walking essentials are usually enough: a collar or harness with an ID disc and a suitable lead.

If using a body tether, make sure it has a quick release so you can separate yourself from your dog if necessary. A dog whistle can also be useful around the coast, as dogs may hear it over the wind and sea.

Dog buoyancy aids are great but generally only needed if your dog regularly enters deep water or joins you on a boat, paddleboard or similar activity.

Make sure your dog is microchipped, too, and taking a few treats and a ball can help with recall.

Where is it safe for dogs to swim?

Choose swimming spots carefully. Calm, dog-friendly beaches can be suitable, but always check the weather, tides, waves, warning signs and flags first.

Not every dog is a confident or capable swimmer. Introduce young or inexperienced dogs to water slowly and in a controlled environment.

Good recall is particularly important before allowing a dog to swim freely, and you should never encourage them to swim too far or enter moving water.

Where shouldn’t my dog swim?

Avoid areas with hazards including fast currents, deep water, large waves, rip currents, soft mud, cliff edges and incoming tides.

Take particular care around fast-moving estuaries, rivers and streams. Dogs can quickly be swept away and trapped against rocks.

If your dog gets into difficulty in moving water, do not enter the water yourself. 

Keep yourself safe and, where possible, move downstream while calling your dog so they can move with the flow towards you.

If you’re worried, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard or Mountain Rescue.

Does the RNLI rescue dogs?

Yes. Lifeboat crews regularly rescue dogs and other animals in distress around the UK coastline. Both Rhyl and Llandudno Lifeboat Stations have even featured on Saving Lives at Sea while rescuing dogs.

Crews have specialist systems and equipment to keep themselves and animals safe during rescues.

Remember: Stay back, take a phone, make it home

Dog walks should be enjoyable for you and your pet, but never underestimate the dangers around water.

Around 200 lifeboat launches and lifeguard incidents involving dog walkers occur on average each year, and North Wales lifeboat crews and the Coastguard have been dealing with an increasing number of dog-walking incidents.

If your dog gets into trouble, don’t put yourself in danger trying to rescue them. 

Get to a safe place and call for help.