Helen Skelton Warns Visitors About Algae Dangers at Windermere
Helen Skelton has issued a warning to visitors about the dangers of blue-green algae in Windermere. Saying people need to understand what may be beneath the surface before swimming or letting dogs near the water.
The presenter shared the warning as part of ongoing concern about the condition of England’s largest lake. Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, can appear in lakes, ponds and rivers. It can be harmful to people, pets, livestock and wildlife.
The warning is especially important as warmer weather brings more people to the Lake District. Where people plan to enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, boating and dog walks. Algal blooms are more common in dry, sunny and warm weather. Although they can happen at other times of year too. The Environment Agency says blooms can last for several months, especially over the summer.
What is blue-green algae?
Blue-green algae is not actually algae. It is a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria. It occurs naturally in fresh water, but under the right conditions it can grow quickly and form visible blooms.
These blooms may look like green, blue-green or green-brown scum on the water. They can also look like pea soup, spilled paint, green flakes, foam near the shoreline. Or greenish patches floating on the surface.
The danger is that some blooms can produce toxins. You cannot tell just by looking whether a bloom is toxic, so official advice is to treat suspected blue-green algae with caution.
The Environment Agency says nutrient pollution can make blooms worse. This can include surface water contaminated with animal faeces after heavy rain, and storm sewage discharges. However, blue-green algae can also occur even when there is no nutrient pollution in the water.
Why is it dangerous for swimmers?
For swimmers and other water users, contact with blue-green algae can cause illness.
Government public health advice says contact with freshwater blue-green algae blooms or scum can lead to skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and muscle and joint pain. It also warns that toxins from freshwater algal blooms can be poisonous to wild and domestic animals, causing severe illness and death.
This means visitors should avoid swimming, paddling or taking part in water activities where blue-green algae is visible or where warning signs are in place.
People should also avoid swallowing lake water and should wash their hands after contact with open water, especially before eating or handling food.
Why dogs are at serious risk
The warning is particularly important for dog owners.
Dogs can become seriously ill if they drink water containing blue-green algae, swim in affected water, or lick algae from their fur after getting wet. The Blue Cross warns that blue-green algae can be highly poisonous, and even fatal, to dogs.
Symptoms in dogs can appear quickly. Warning signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, weakness, collapse, confusion, drooling and breathing problems. The Blue Cross says some types can cause symptoms, or become fatal, within 15 minutes to an hour after a dog drinks contaminated water.
The British Veterinary Association says pet owners should keep dogs on leads near water where blue-green algae has been confirmed or suspected. If a dog has been in outdoor water, owners should wash its coat with clean water. If exposure is suspected, emergency veterinary help should be sought straight away.
What should visitors look out for?
Visitors to Windermere and other Lake District lakes should be alert to:
- green, blue-green or green-brown scum on the water
- water that looks like pea soup or spilled paint
- foam or scum gathered at the shoreline
- green flakes, clumps or dots in the water
- dead fish or animals near the water
- official warning signs around lakes, tarns or rivers
If the water looks suspicious, the safest option is to stay out and keep pets away.
What should you do if you come into contact with it?
Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed should leave the water, wash with clean water as soon as possible, and seek medical advice if they feel unwell.
Dog owners should contact a vet immediately if their pet may have drunk affected water or swum in it. There is no known antidote for the toxins, so fast treatment can be vital.
Visitors can also report suspected blue-green algae sightings. The British Veterinary Association points people towards the Bloomin’ Algae app, which allows suspected sightings to be submitted with a photograph.
Wider concern over Windermere
Windermere has faced ongoing concern over water quality, pollution and algal blooms. Campaigners have repeatedly linked the problem to a mix of factors, including sewage discharges, agricultural run-off, private septic tanks and warmer weather.
Blue-green algae is not only a health concern for visitors. Large blooms can also damage the lake’s ecosystem by reducing oxygen in the water, which can harm fish and other wildlife.
Helen Skelton’s warning is a reminder that the issue is not just about how the lake looks from the shore. For people visiting Windermere, the main message is simple: check the water, follow warning signs, keep dogs away from suspicious areas, and do not take risks if algae may be present.
