Due to the recent period of warm weather, the Algae has increased across the inner basins and has been quite visually noticeable in the other docks. Whilst our dock doesn’t appear to be as affected we are temporarily pausing our swims to err on the side of caution. With the weather now much cooler, we hope that in a few days we will see a difference and we can re-assess then. We are also consulting APEM for advice and are awaiting results from recent sampling for Blue Green Algae. Please note the most recent water bacteriology report came back as ‘Excellent’ under the EC Bathing Directive, however this does not include Blue Green.
Update 16/06/2023
We have been issued with new advice from Public Health England today with an update to the advice on who shouldn’t access the water at this time
We advise that babies, toddlers, pregnant women and anyone with a weakened immune system do not go into the water.
Main Update 15/06/203
During routine water quality testing WC 12/06/2023, we have been informed that whilst the water bacteriology report has come back as ‘Excellent’ under the EC Bathing Directive, samples taken from the inner basins have detected a presence of Blue Green Algae at certain locations in Dock 8, Dock 9 and the Canals.
At this moment in time, the alert level has been classed at ‘Vigilance Level’ and we have been advised that all our operations can continue. Vigilance Level is the lowest alert level and whilst we have been informed that it is currently safe to continue activity, we are taking some extra precautions by making adjustments to our swimming course and for our watersports sessions; reducing the chance of immersion in affected areas.
For clarity, in our dock (Dock 8) the presence of Blue Green Algae has been found growing on the mesh/netting along the wooden Jetties along the side of the dock and at the bottom, everywhere else in dock 8 is currently ok.
There will be increased monitoring and testing and we of course will keep everyone updated on any changes.
About Blue Green Algae:
Cyanobacteria or ‘blue-green algae’, a type of blooming algae which can produce toxins. Public Health England (2019) characterises the risk to humans as low, although the toxins from algae can be fatal to animals. Symptoms in humans can include skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, muscle and joint pain. Not all blue green algae blooms are toxic, but we cannot tell by sight, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Public Health England have advised us that:
Children should be particularly cautious
We advise that babies, toddlers, pregnant women and anyone with a weakened immune system do not go into the water.
Advice for customers:
As with our normal activities, accessing open water does naturally carry some risks. After being in the water in general, you should wash your hands and shower at the earliest convenience, we provide toilets and changing rooms with showers which you are welcome to use, pre and post session.
Taking part in an activity with us is at your own risk, whilst we are making slight adjustments for Blue Green Algae and the risk level to humans is low, it’s still there, if you do decide to continue to access our activities, we advise users to:
Ensure they are following the above personal hygiene measures
Try avoiding swallowing the water
Only access our sessions if you are fit and well to do so, seek guidance from your GP if you are unsure
Cover any cuts, scratches, or sores with a waterproof plaster beforehand
Wearing appropriate protective clothing such as a wetsuit, gloves and protective footwear
Wash your clothing and wetsuits as soon as possible
Don’t allow dogs to enter the water
Children should be particularly cautious
We advise that babies, toddlers, pregnant women and anyone with a weakened immune system do not go into the water.
Future Bookings:
At this moment in time, all bookings are going ahead as normal.
Thank you in advance for your support and understanding with this, we’re hoping that the levels stay low, and we can continue activity this summer!
