Open Water Dipping - Adults Only  

Update 15/9/2026

We’re now two weeks into testing, and the early results are looking positive. We are also placing additional barley straw bales around the islands to help keep things moving in the right direction.

At our recent Committee meeting, we agreed to keep water activities suspended for the time being. The next set of test results is due this week. Once we’ve reviewed them, we’ll make a decision about restarting on and in water activities.

We know this has gone on longer than anyone would like. The safety and wellbeing of our members remain our highest priority. We really appreciate your continuing patience, understanding and cooperation during this time. We will continue to keep you informed of any further developments and provide new updates as soon as we have any more information.

Update 11/9/2026

A further update regarding the blue-green algae at Manvers Lake.

As part of the measures we are taking to manage the situation, we have now added the blue dye to the lake and placed bales of barley straw in the water.

We are pleased to report that we have seen no further visible blooms over the last few days, which is encouraging.

Two sets of water samples have now been sent away for testing, and we hope to receive the results at the beginning of next week. Our Committee is meeting on Monday, when we will review the water sample report and consider the next steps. We will issue a further update to members following that meeting.

In the meantime, the lake will remain closed for all water-based activities. We appreciate that members are keen to get back on the water, but the safety and wellbeing of everyone using the lake must remain our priority, and we want to have the appropriate test results before making any decision to reopen.

Thank you to all our members for your continued patience, understanding and support. We are hopeful that the recent improvement continues and that we will have more positive news to share early next week.

Update 6/9/2026

Lake Closure Extended for a further week

Please see below a further update regarding the temporary closure of Manvers Lake due to the presence of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria).

Over the past few days, we have been consulting with the Environment Agency and have now completed a comprehensive risk assessment to support our management of the issue and determine the safest course of action.

Following this we will be taking the following steps:

1. Applying a natural blue dye to the lake, which will help suppress algae growth by reducing the amount of sunlight that penetrates through the water.
2. Introducing barley straw bales into the lake. As the straw naturally breaks down, it produces compounds that can help limit algae growth over time.
3. Undertaking weekly water testing at a number of locations around the lake to closely monitor water quality and the impact of the measures we are putting in place.

To allow these measures time to take effect and to continue monitoring conditions, we have made the decision to keep Manvers Lake closed for a further week.

We appreciate how disappointing this will be for members who are keen to get back on or in the water. However, the safety and wellbeing of our members is paramount, and we believe this is the most responsible approach while we monitor the impact of our actions.

Please Continue to Keep Dogs Out of the Water

The site and café will remain open; it is access to the water and water-based activities that are suspended.

Thank you once again for your patience, understanding and continued support. We are hopeful that the measures we are putting in place will have a positive impact and that we will be able to bring you more positive news next weekend.

Manvers Water Quality (30/8/26)

Following our earlier updates regarding blue-green algae at Manvers Lake, we wanted to let you know that we have now taken the decision to close the lake to all water-based activities for one week.

Over the last 24 hours, there has been visible evidence of a blue-green algae bloom. Although our regular monthly water-quality monitoring has continued to return its usual excellent results, the visible presence of the algae means we believe a temporary closure is the appropriate course of action.

The closure will apply to all water-based activities, including swimming, paddlesports, dragon boating, sailing, windsurfing, model boating and fishing.

We are also asking all dog walkers to keep dogs out of the lake and away from any visible algae or scum around the water’s edge. Dogs should be kept under close control when walking around the lake and should not be allowed to drink from the lake.

We appreciate that closing the lake will be disappointing and will affect many of our members. However, given the changing situation, we feel that a seven-day closure gives us an appropriate period to monitor the lake, assess conditions and determine the safest way forward.

We will continue to inspect and monitor the lake throughout the week and will provide members with a further update before any decision is made to reopen the water.

The site and café will remain open; it is access to the water and water-based activities that are suspended.

Thank you, as always, for your patience, understanding and support while we manage this situation.

Try Open Water Swimming/Dipping - £5

Hire wetsuit - £2.50

MWBC Member - FREE

These sessions is aimed at anyone that wants to try Open Water Swimming or dipping. Advice and guidance is provided to get you started with Open Water Swimming and a short guided swim, supported with safety cover.

We have a range of wetsuits you can loan for £2.50 you please arrive 15 minutes before the start time to sort these out. 

Dippers are advised to come changed and ready to enter the water. Please also bring warm-up gear including a change of clothes, the cafe is open for hot & cold drinks.

A briefing will be delivered at the start of the session, however details are included with your booking information. 

Any questions/issues then email or ring me prior to your session.

The length of the dip will vary (subject to water temperature), taking place in a swimming pool sized area next to the slipway along the front of the lake or to a safe place on the beach area which you can walk too.

Dipping sessions are NOT a swim signoff session. Signoffs take place during summer season only, and either on a Wednesday evening or Saturday morning. Attending the dipping session does not then permit you to join other swim sessions at the lake.

Location: Manvers Lake

Contact: