Dog-Friendly Water Activities UK

Water-loving dogs deserve aquatic adventures. From paddleboarding on calm lakes to kayaking coastal waters, wild swimming in rivers to beach play, the UK offers excellent opportunities for dog-friendly water activities. These shared experiences create unique bonding moments and tire even the most energetic dogs.

This guide covers everything you need to know about water activities with your dog.

Paddleboarding with Dogs

Why SUP Works

Stand Up Paddleboarding Benefits:

• Dogs can ride on board
• Calm, accessible activity
• Suitable for many dogs
• Great exercise for both
• Unique bonding experience
• Increasingly popular

Getting Started

Before Taking Dog on Board:

1. You need competent paddleboarding skills first
2. Introduce dog to board on land
3. Practice on board at water's edge
4. Start in calm, shallow water
5. Build confidence gradually

Dog Requirements:

• Comfortable around water
• Can swim (essential safety)
• Responds to basic commands
• Calm temperament helps
• Any size can work (adjust technique)

Equipment

Board Selection:

• Larger, more stable boards better
• Inflatable boards often preferred (softer, more grip)
• Wide boards provide stability
• Consider dog's size and weight

Dog Equipment:

• Canine life jacket (essential)
• Non-slip deck pad
• Lead attachment point
• Treats for training

Your Equipment:

• Life jacket
• Leash (board leash)
• Appropriate clothing
• Sun protection

Training Your Dog

Step by Step:

1. Board on land: Let dog explore board. Treats. Positive associations.
2. Standing on board: Practice dog standing/sitting while you're on board on land.
3. Shallow water: Board floating, dog on board, you standing in water beside.
4. Kneeling: You kneel on board with dog. Very stable.
5. Standing: Progress to standing when confident.

Commands Useful:

• "On" - get on board
• "Stay" - remain in position
• "Off" - exit board safely
• "Sit" or "Down" - settle on board

Best Locations for Dog SUP

Ideal Conditions:

• Calm, flat water
• Sheltered lakes
• Quiet rivers
• Protected coastal areas

Great UK Locations:

Lake District: Multiple lakes suitable. Lake District offers excellent calm water options.

Norfolk Broads: Sheltered waterways perfect for beginners. Flat water throughout the Broads.

Scottish Lochs: Stunning scenery. Often very calm. Highland lochs are exceptional.

Cornwall/Devon: Sheltered estuaries and calm bays for coastal SUP.

Safety Considerations

Essential Rules:

• Dog wears life jacket always
• You wear life jacket
• Check weather and conditions
• Tell someone your plans
• Start close to shore
• Know your limits
• Be prepared to swim

If Dog Falls Off:

• Stay calm
• Let them swim to board
• Help them back on
• Practice remounting

Kayaking with Dogs

Types of Kayaking

Sit-On-Top Kayaks:

• Best for dogs
• Easy entry/exit
• Space for dog
• Stable platforms
• Recommended for beginners

Sit-Inside Kayaks:

• More challenging with dogs
• Small dogs in cockpit possible
• Less stable for dog movement
• Better for experienced paddlers

Canoes:

• Good space for dogs
• Stable
• Multiple dogs possible
• Open design

Getting Started

Preparation:

1. Dog comfortable with water
2. Practice in kayak on land
3. Introduce to kayak at water's edge
4. Short trips first
5. Build duration gradually

Dog Position:

• Between your legs (sit-on-top)
• Front of kayak
• Specific dog platforms available
• Wherever stable and comfortable

Equipment

For Dog:

• Life jacket (essential)
• Non-slip mat
• Water bowl
• Shade if hot

For You:

• Appropriate kayak
• Paddle
• Life jacket
• Safety equipment

Best Locations

Sheltered Waters:

• Calm rivers
• Lakes
• Protected estuaries
• Canals

Great UK Options:

• Norfolk Broads (gentle, sheltered)
• Lake District (stunning scenery)
• Scottish lochs (dramatic)
• Calm coastal areas

Safety

Key Points:

• Life jackets for both
• Check conditions
• Know your route
• Stay close to shore initially
• Avoid strong currents
• Weather awareness

Wild Swimming with Dogs

Natural Swimming

What It Involves:

• Lakes, rivers, sea
• Natural water bodies
• Swimming together
• Unstructured play

Where Dogs Can Swim

Lakes: Many lakes allow dog swimming. Some restrictions at popular beaches. Check locally.

Rivers: Most rivers accessible. Check currents and depth.

Sea: Beaches throughout UK. Check for restrictions in summer months.

Not Allowed:

• Reservoirs (usually prohibited)
• Private lakes without permission
• Some nature reserves

Best Swimming Locations

Lake District: Multiple swimming lakes. Excellent for water-loving dogs. See our Lake District guide.

Scotland: Countless lochs with free access. Wild swimming paradise.

Norfolk: Rivers and Broads. Various access points.

Cornwall: Coves and beaches. River swimming inland.

Safety for Dog Swimming

Essential Awareness:

Water Quality:

• Blue-green algae can be fatal to dogs
• Avoid stagnant water in warm weather
• Check for algae warnings
• If in doubt, don't let dog swim

Currents:

• Rivers can have strong currents
• Sea currents and tides
• Know conditions
• Supervise constantly

Cold Water:

• Hypothermia risk
• Especially early/late season
• Limit time in cold water
• Dry dog quickly after

Depth:

• Know your dog's swimming ability
• Don't throw toys into deep water repeatedly
• Supervise always

After Swimming

Essential Care:

• Rinse salt water off
• Dry ears (prevents infections)
• Check for debris in coat
• Dry thoroughly if cold
• Fresh water to drink (prevent them drinking swim water)

Beach Water Play

Beyond Swimming

Beach Activities:

• Paddling in shallows
• Wave jumping
• Fetch in water
• Running on wet sand
• Rock pool exploring

Beach Safety

Tide Awareness:

• Know tide times
• Don't get cut off
• Incoming tide catches dogs

Hazards:

• Jellyfish
• Sharp shells
• Hot sand (summer)
• Strong waves

See our Beach Holidays guide for comprehensive beach information.

Boat Trips with Dogs

Dog-Friendly Boats

Many boat trips welcome dogs:

• Lake steamers
• River cruises
• Coastal trips
• Seal watching boats
• Ferry services

What to Expect

On Boats:

• Keep on lead usually
• Life jacket recommended
• Space for dog to rest
• Check specific operator rules

Best Boat Experiences

Lake District Steamers: Dogs welcome on Windermere cruises.

Norfolk Seal Trips: Many operators welcome dogs for seal watching.

Scottish Loch Cruises: Various operators accommodate dogs.

Thames River: Various cruises welcome dogs.

See our Days Out guide for more boat trip information.

Water Activity Safety Summary

Universal Rules

1. Life jackets: For dogs in all water activities (swimming optional but boating essential)
2. Swimming ability: Confirm your dog can swim before deeper water
3. Supervision: Never leave dogs unattended near water
4. Conditions: Check weather, tides, currents
5. Temperature: Be aware of cold water risks
6. Blue-green algae: Fatal to dogs - know the signs
7. After care: Rinse, dry, check ears

Know Your Dog

Good Water Dog Signs:

• Naturally drawn to water
• Swims confidently
• Calm in water
• Responds to recall from water

Take Care With:

• Dogs new to water
• Non-swimmers
• Anxious dogs
• Brachycephalic breeds (breathing difficulties)
• Very young or old dogs

Building Water Confidence

For Nervous Dogs

Gradual Introduction:

1. Paddling in shallows
2. Deeper paddling
3. Swimming with support
4. Short independent swims
5. Building confidence

Never Force:

• Some dogs don't like water
• That's okay
• Don't traumatise them
• Find other activities

Life Jackets

Why Use Them:

• Safety backup
• Confidence builder
• Buoyancy assistance
• Handle for lifting
• Essential for boating

Choosing:

• Proper fit
• Grab handle
• Bright colour
• D-ring for lead
• Comfortable

Frequently Asked Questions

Can all dogs learn to paddleboard?

Most water-confident dogs can learn. Calm temperament helps. Very anxious dogs may not enjoy it.

Do dogs need life jackets for swimming?

Optional for strong swimmers in calm water. Essential for boating activities. Recommended for building confidence.

What is blue-green algae?

Toxic algae that forms on stagnant water in warm weather. Can be fatal to dogs. Avoid any suspicious-looking water.

Can puppies do water activities?

After vaccinations, gentle introduction to water fine. Full activities once physically mature.

Where can dogs swim in the Lake District?

Most lakes allow dogs. Some beaches restrict in peak season. Many excellent swimming spots throughout.

Is sea swimming safe for dogs?

Yes, with supervision. Watch currents, waves, and conditions. Rinse salt water off after.

Water Adventures Await

Water activities offer unique bonding experiences with your dog. From the calm focus of paddleboarding to the joyful chaos of beach play, water adds another dimension to dog adventures.

Start safely, build gradually, and enjoy the water together.

Luke enjoys water activities with Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max, and Molly. The pack has discovered that lake swimming, beach days, and boat trips add wonderful variety to their adventures.