Do I have to pay to use the lake?
No. Marine Lake is free for everyone, all day, every day.
When is the lake open?
All day, every day, all year round. Occasionally it has to close for maintenance – the status at the top of every page on this website will always tell you if it’s closed.
Is there a lifeguard?
No. Please swim with a buddy, know your limits and never jump or dive in. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
How deep is the lake?
The lake is shallow around the edges and gets deeper towards the middle, and there’s now a deep-water swimming channel across it. Most of the edge is less than a metre deep, so get in slowly using the steps.
Why is the water brown?
It’s silt, not dirt. The Bristol Channel has one of the biggest tidal ranges in the world and the tides carry fine mud with them. There will always be some silt in a sea lake.
How often is the water refreshed?
The lake is filled by tides overtopping the causeway – roughly every ten days to two weeks, at the top of the big spring tides. Stay out of the water and off the causeway when the sea is coming over.
What temperature is the water?
It follows the sea: from around 3°C in the depths of winter to around 19°C in a warm summer. When we have a recent reading, you’ll find it at the top of the Visit page.
Is the water tested?
Yes – during the bathing season (May to September). We post the latest result on this website. We’re fundraising so it can be tested all year round.
Are there toilets and changing rooms?
There are public toilets by the lake, including an accessible toilet. There are no changing rooms, so come ready to swim and bring a changing robe or towel.
Where can I park?
The nearest large car park is Melrose pay-and-display (BS23 2AW). Parking right by the lake is limited.
Can I paddleboard or kayak?
Yes – just give swimmers plenty of room. Paddleboard hire is available at the lake in season.
What do the Mudlarks do?
We manage regular cleans of the lake, run a lot of the social media, look after the relationship with North Somerset Council and answer questions from passers-by at the lake itself. Find out more about us.
I’ve lost something at the lake
Our volunteers collect lost property. Send us a message describing what you’ve lost and we’ll let you know if it’s turned up.
How can I help?
We’d love that! You can donate, volunteer, take part in the Polar Bear Challenge or buy something from our shop.
Got a question about the lake?
We’re a friendly bunch – drop us a message and a Mudlark will get back to you.