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Swimmers hoping to head down to a popular Surrey 'beach' now the weather is finally starting to heat up will be left disappointed after warnings to stay out of the water. Waverley Borough Council has said people should be aware of dangerous levels of blue-green algae at Frensham Great Pond and that visitors must not go in for a swim. Blue-green algae naturally occurs in inland waters and can produce toxins called 'harmful algae blooms' that can kill wild animals, farm live stock and pets.

READ MORE: Every Surrey park handed a Green Flag Award in 2024 including three new entries READ MORE: How hot every area will get as 30C temperatures forecast during heat health alert Blue-green algae naturally occurs in inland waters and can produce toxins called harmful algae blooms that can kill wild animals, farm live stock and pets. In humans, they can cause rashes - and illnesses if swallowed. Not all blue-green algal blooms and scums are toxic but there is no way to easily tell, according to the Environment Agency.



Frensham Great Pond is very popular in nice weather, the council said, but this can lead to overcrowding. In the past the council has even gone as far as a sking people to avoid the famous sandy beach after "huge influxes" of visitors caused numerous problems including illegal and dangerous parking, barbecues, littering, dogs fouling, and abusive behaviour towards staff members. Several times during recent years, including during the lockdowns of 2020 and the summer of 2021.

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