When launching your own boat, fishing, or open water swimming you are responsible for your own safety and must undertake your chosen activity within your level of experience and having assessed the weather conditions on the day.
Make sure you have a way of raising an alarm if you need help. Talkin Tarn does not have staff available to assist in a rescue. If you do need to call emergency services, dial 999 straight away. If you are using a mobile phone and have no reception, dial 112.
Whether you are at Talkin Tarn to take part in a water sport, or just for a walk you should always be aware of water safety.
Talkin Tarn suffers from occasional periods of blue green algae
Blue-green algae, also known as Cyanobacteria, are a group of photosynthetic bacteria that many people refer to as "pond scum." Blue-green algae are most often blue-green in colour, but can also be blue, green, reddish-purple, or brown. Blue-green algae generally grow in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams when the water is warm and enriched with nutrients like phosphorus or nitrogen.
When environmental conditions are just right, blue-green algae can grow very quickly in number. Most species are buoyant and will float to the surface, where they form scum layers or floating mats. When this happens, we call this a "blue-green algae bloom".
Blooms, when they occur, are capable of producing toxins that can be fatal to dogs and livestock, and cause illness in humans.
The current hazard rating will be shown by the colour of the flag raised outside the tearoom, in the site information panel on the front of the changing rooms and on the car park notice board. It is advised at all times to observe caution and to avoid entering the water when the flag is RED.
If you would like further information then please download the information sheet below to find out more about Blue-green algae.