Swimmers at Clevedon Marine Lake have been asked to stay clear of the water after high levels of e:coli were found. The lake could be closed for a couple of weeks until it is over-topped with fresh water during the busy summer holiday period.
A sample taken on July 30 deemed the water quality poor, which means it is unsafe for swimming in. Red flags have been erected near the entrances to warn people against entering the water.
The red flags will remain in place until the next water quality sample is taken, which is usually every two weeks from April to October rated against EU bathing standards as excellent, good, sufficient or poor. The next guaranteed over-topping spring tide with fresh water is not until the weekend of August 12.
Read more: Clevedon Marine Lake becomes UK's first fully accessible tidal pool
An amber flag will appear if water temperatures exceed 22 degrees or there is a pollution warning from the English Channel. The lake is looked after by the Marine Lake Enthusiasts Society (MARLENS).
Speaking to SomersetLive, MARLENS spokesman Joe Norman said: “The tests results which have come back have shown that there is e:coli in the water at levels which are higher than we would like them to be.
“The red flags have been put up and we are advising people not to swim at the lake and if they do, it is very much at their own risk. We have seen a lot of people at the lake in the hot weather.
"With the warmer weather and increased use, any bacteria has the opportunity to multiply. We are expecting an overtopping tide on August 12 when the lake water will refresh and we will then carry out further tests.
"We expect the red flags to be up until August 12. Those who take the risk and use the lake are advised to take precautions such as wearing goggles, ear plugs and to avoid swallowing the water."
The news will come as a blow to families and swimmers who were hoping to head to the lake during the busy summer holiday period. Reports online suggested some people were still using the lake for paddleboarding above the water.
Last summer, BristolLive reported how the lake was completely drained after high levels of bacteria were found in the water. Tests carried out at the attraction at the time revealed the water did not meet European guidelines and was judged as poor.
Clevedon Marine Lake has recently become the first tidal pool in the UK to become fully accessible. The Hive at launched on Wednesday, July 20 offering a brand new volunteer workspace with a changing room and toilet for people with disabilities.
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