Public asked to stay out of the water at Rhyl’s Marine Lake

Precautionary signs have been placed around Marine Lake in Rhyl, advising people not to enter the water after blue-green marine algae was reported at the location.

Blue-Green algae (cyanobacteria) are natural inhabitants of many inland waters, estuaries and the sea. Blue-Green algal blooms produce toxins that can adversely affect human and animal health.   The algae is normally reported during the summer months.

Denbighshire County Council is working closely with Natural Resources Wales to identify steps to clear the algae.

Councillor Mark Young, Cabinet Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “Regular testing takes place at Marine Lake to monitor the quality of water and tests have now shown the presence of blue-green algae in the lake.

“Algae of this nature is quite a common occurrence in areas of water, especially during the summer months and after periods of warm weather.

“In the interest of public health, we have places signs around the lake, asking people to stay away from the water for the time being. We are also asking people to make sure their animals do not enter the water.

“We are working closely with Natural Resources Wales to identify what needs to be done to remove the algae and to re-open the lake as soon as it is safe to do so”.

Tom Lewis, NRW Senior Environment Officer said: ““Marine Lake, and other lakes, can suffer from a population explosion of algae, known as algal blooms, at this time of year in dry, warm, calm weather.

“We are working closely with Denbighshire County Council to monitor Rhyl’s Marine Lake, working within the Government’s Covid 19 social distancing guidelines.

“There is some useful information on blue green algae on our website: