Blue algae risks – appeal to parents

LLANELLI’s North Dock continues to remain closed to swimmers because of blue algae in the water.

Natural Resources Wales have tested the Dock water over four weeks and have had passes and fails in success five weeks which keeps the Dock closed.

Two consecutive passes are required over 14 days to reopen the dock to water sports and public swimming recreation and leisure.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s executive board member for environment and public protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “Visitors, and people that normally use the area for recreation, are asked to observe the warning signs and not to come into contact with water where the algae might be present.

“It is important to note that people and animals can become ill after coming into contact with the algae.”

Executive board member for leisure services Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “We are taking steps to prevent this annual occurance at the LNoth Dock when the weather warms up.

“In the meantime when the ban is in place it is important parents should alert their children to the presence of blue algae.

“This time of the year on hot weekends the North Dock is a nutural attraction and we always have problems with youngsters tombstoniong into the Dock which is not allowed anyway because of the shallow nature of the waters.

Rangers and the police are looking out for those ignoring warning signage but they cannot have a permanent presence because of the other commitments.”

An organised water sports event at Llanelli North Dock had to switched to Sandy Water Park because of the temporary ban.

Natural Resources Wales said Blue Algae is a natural process occurring on retained water sources caused by excessive sunlight.