Strathclyde Park watersports ban is removed

Jun 19 2008 by John Rowbotham

A BAN on water sports at Strathclyde Loch was this week lifted.

Water skiers, wind surfers and canoeists were barred last month after an unusual algae bloom.

The British Age Group Sprint Triathlon Championships, due to be held in the park, was cancelled because of the problem.

The algae was first discovered after dead fish began appearing on the shores of the loch early in May.

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency carried out water testing and identified the presence of the Chrysochromulina parva (C. parva) phytoplankton.

While not known to be harmful to humans, the algae is related to another species that has been known to cause skin irritations in humans and health problems in animals.

North Lanarkshire Council responded by cancelling all immersion activities at the loch.

A spokesman said further testing last week revealed that water conditions had returned to normal, and restrictions could be lifted.

“The full range of watersports activities has now been reinstated,” said John Turnbull, the council’s countryside and landscape manager.

“However, I would take this opportunity to remind people that such activities are only allowed when properly organised and supervised, and that they should not enter the water unless authorised to do so.”

Council chiefs took the decision to cancel the triathlon event after consultation with SEPA and NHS Lanarkshire

They began talks with the organisers aimed at rescheduling the championships for later in the year or identifying an alternative venue.

Signs were put up around the loch advising people not to go into the water.

Dog owners were also advised to keep their pets out of the water because of the algae bloom.

The warm weather in May is thought to have been responsible for the growth of the algae.