People are warned from swimming in the seaside lakes of Clevedon and Weston due to the presence of flesh-eating sea lice.
In both Marine Lake in Clevedon and Marine Lake in Weston-super-Mare, swimmers have reported being ‘bitten’ while swimming.
Some swimmers have described feeling’stings’ and ‘nips’ while in the water, and some have been left with red skin areas.
Other swimmers have reported discovering insect-like organisms in their swimwear after exiting the sea.
In recent weeks, the Marine Lake Enthusiasts Society (MARLENS), which oversees Clevedon’s Marine Lake, has received multiple instances of persons being bitten.
And they are recommending people to stay out of the lake until the water is refreshed by a rising tide, if they wish to avoid being bitten.
The animals are either sea lice or larvae of jellyfish. A spokesperson for Clevedon Marine Lake stated, ‘We’ve had a few complaints and mails regarding venomous creatures in the lake.
According to one idea, they are sea lice. A second reason is that they are tiny jellyfish larvae (Medusa) that are difficult to see.
These creatures enter the lake as the tide surges over the retaining wall, and they bite and sting. For most people, it feels like a little scratch, but those of us who are more sensitive may develop a rash.’ The bad news is that there’s nothing we can do to stop them – it’s natural water and sea life lives in it, and the water going over the sea wall is essential for maintaining the lake’s water quality.
Once the lake’s water is replenished by a rising tide, according to lake administrators, the organisms should disappear.
The official continued, ‘The good thing is that they disappear after the overtop ceases; if you want to avoid them, wait until the following weekend to go swimming.’
Additionally, avoid the lake’s margins and seaweedy areas, as this is where they tend to congregate.
If you experience an adverse reaction, consult your pharmacist and refrain from swimming until your skin clears up.
Sea lice are copepod crustaceans. They have existed for millions of years and have adapted to thrive by feeding on the salmon’s skin and blood.
The lice undergo a brief, free-swimming larval phase during which they must discover and connect to a fish host.
They inflict physical harm and stress to the fish, inhibiting their growth and performance.
Extreme infestations might result in secondary diseases and mass deaths. Although sea lice are not hazardous to humans, the lesions they create can render salmon unmarketable.
The announcement comes only weeks after swimmers were cautioned against entering Clevedon Marine Lake due to high levels of e. coli germs.
Weston Marine Lake reopened in June following a £300,000 renovation that included the removal of 35,000 tonnes of sediment from the lake bed.