Frensham Great Pond

Frensham Great pond is part of Frensham Common.

It has a beach, which is great for children to play on and build sandcastles.

You can usually swim in Frensham Great pond in the summer.  However, sometimes naturally occurring blooms of blue-green algae can appear which means that the pond has to be closed to bathers. 

Current bathing water quality at Frensham Great Pond

Excellent

Frensham Pond water quality is again being checked by the Environment Agency, who carry out sampling between May and September every year. The first sample was taken on 08 May, with results circulated on 17 May. Result as shown above.

Water quality may change considerably between sampling date and the date of the results being posted, especially after heavy rainfall, as this can increase contamination with faecal bacteria from upstream areas.

Last summer, the Environment Agency sampled Frensham Great Pond on 20 occasions between 4 May 2011 and 27 September 2011.  The water was identified as excellent on 16 occasions, falling to good on just four occasions.

In late summer in previous years, the water has suffered from high levels of blue-green algae, caused by the prevailing wind concentrating the algae in the bathing areas, which then become hazardous for users (see below).  If this happens during the bathing season, the bathing area will be closed (this  happened in early-August 2011). )

Blue-green algae at Frensham Great Pond

In certain conditions, blooms of blue-green algae may occur. If the amount in the water exceeds safety limits, the pond will be closed to bathers. This is for your own safety. Swallowing the water or algal scum can cause stomach upsets or more serious health problems. Contact with water containing high amounts of blue green algae can cause skin irritation. Do NOT ignore warning signs and do not be tempted to bathe or paddle under these conditions.

Beach at Frensham Great Pond

Enjoy the beach but please follow the rules for your safety.

Safety Rules at Frensham Great Pond

Although every effort is made to ensure your safety, swimming at Frensham Great Pond is at your own risk.

• dogs are not allowed on the beaches at anytime
• barbeques and fires are not allowed - £20 fine (NT Byelaw 3a)
• inflatable boats and rings are not permitted anywhere on the pond
• always tell someone you are going into the water
• supervise young children and all non-swimmers
• do not swim if you have any open cuts or grazes
• try not to go under or swallow the water
• be aware that there are no lifeguards employed here to supervise bathing and swimming
• always wash your hands before eating or drinking
• there are safety throw lines at each swimming area
• stay within your depth - the lines are set at approximately 1.4m depth
• windsurfing and canoeing are not permitted anywhere on the pond
• jet skis are not permitted anywhere on the pond.

More information

For more information on Frensham Common, including public transport links, car park charges and opening times, please refer to the Frensham Common page.

Page owner: Nick Baxter. Last updated: 18/05/2012 11:11