Bewl Water is warning of poisonous algae after reports of two dog deaths

Bewl Water is warning visitors that toxic algae may develop in the reservoir following two reports of dogs dying after swimming in the water.

The site's owner, Markerstudy Leisure, said it is aware of reports of dogs dying and said it would increase the signage. Although it also said regular testing is carried out and no signs of the algae had been detected.

Radoslav Nevelos, 27, who lives on Crowborough Hill, Crowborough, claims his dog died after going in the reservoir and is critical of the site's owners for not providing adequate warnings.

He said he took Leo, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, almost five years old, to Bewl Water with his other dog on Sunday (July 8).

“I was having a good time with my friends," he said. “The dogs were enjoying the water.

“I had been there with the dogs for the last three weeks.

“It had been fine. The dog had been swimming.

“Then people told me to look – I saw Leo just fall down to one side and he just couldn’t breathe."

He said he tried to give the dog first aid, and took him away from the group he was with to give him space to “calm down”.

But he said Leo was acting “like a different dog”.

“He was shaking, he started falling down. Minutes later he started having a seizure."

He took his dog to an emergency vet, who warned him they may not be able to save Leo. Mr Nevelos decided he wanted the to try, despite the bill running into hundreds of pounds, but eventually it became clear nothing could be done.

“I don’t care about the money,” he said, but “the vet told me if she saved him he might not be the same dog”.

Mr Nevelos said he saw no signs warning of the danger. He said another dog walker did approach him when he arrived to tell him to be careful because a dog had died the previous day, but Mr Nevelos assured the woman his dog was a strong swimmer.

Mr Nevelos did not enter via the main car park, but he said that is not the point as the area is a public place.

“It’s not just me," he added.

“I saw so many dogs there when I was there.

“If I had just seen a sign I would not have gone near the water with my dogs.

“If you say don’t do this then I won’t do this, but how can I know that when I don’t see any signs.

“I just want Bewl Water to put signs around the whole thing. There is not just one main door, there are lots of entrances."

And he said he was approached by a member of staff to speak about something else, but despite his dog being visible in the water at the time, he said no warning was given.

Andrew Daniells, chief operating officer for Markerstudy Leisure said: “As a dog owner myself, I was deeply saddened to hear that there had been reports that two dogs had died following a visit to Bewl Water.

"The water is tested regularly by the Environmental Agency and Southern Water and we have not been advised that samples collected from Bewl have shown signs of blue-green algae. From our own investigations and observations we have also seen no sign of blue-green algae.

"Despite the site visits and current samples showing healthy water, we will continue to vigilantly monitor the situation and provide a number of fresh water drinking bowls for dogs to use to avoid dehydration.

"Since the reported incidents we have also increased the existing signage across the 13 mile perimeter reminding owners to keep dogs on leads at all times, reaffirming that we do not allow people or dogs to swim at Bewl Water. All staff have been briefed to advise visitors of the safety rules.”

The company has also issued a warning that appears on the website. The message reads: "Urgent Information: Blue/Green Algae.

"Please be advised that Blue/Green algae blooms may develop in sheltered areas across the lake.

"Dog owners must keep dogs out of the water at all times.

"The Algae is toxic and can be fatal to dogs."

A friend of Mr Nevelos, John Russell, manager at Crowborough Animal Welfare Society, said: “It’s a public place that people go to enjoy the countryside and the water with their dogs.

“Water is attractive to dogs.

“The lake can kill a dog instantly if it goes in it."

Vet's warning

Mr Nevelos took Leo to the emergency vet Vets Now in Tunbridge Wells. The company said it has had cases this year relating to algae but would not confirm the geographical locations.

Vets Now's Head of Clinical Insights, Dave Leicester, has offered advice to dog owners: “Blue green algae - more correctly called cyanobacteria - can be found suspended in the water or attached to rocks and other surfaces. When there is a lot of it, it forms clumps called blooms or scum which may be found on the surface of the water, or sometimes washed up on the shoreline.

"Despite the name, the blooms are rarely blue, but more commonly green or green-brown. Not all cyanobacteria blooms are toxic but the risk varies and it’s not possible to tell by sight alone whether a bloom is toxic.

"Many authorities will post warning signs when the risk is high, but sensible advice is to avoid any water that looks murky or has obvious algal bloom or surface scum. Whilst the risk of exposure remains relatively low, clinical signs can be very serious and if your pet has come into contact with suspect water, you should rinse their coat thoroughly with clean water and seek immediate veterinary attention.”