18/06/2026
📢 Statement on St Annes’ Boating Lake Water Levels.
Fylde Council is aware of concerns raised by residents regarding the current water levels at St Annes’ Boating Lake and understands the importance of this local asset to the community.
The reduction in water levels is suspected to be the result of failures to historic repairs within the lake’s floor structure, which are allowing water to escape from the lake. Officers have been closely monitoring the situation and are actively progressing both short-term and longer-term solutions. Due to the time of year, natural replenishment from incoming tides is not expected to be possible for at least a month, and would require a specific combination of high tides, strong westerly winds and low atmospheric pressure to provide a substantial fill.
As an immediate measure, the Council is exploring options to temporarily replenish the lake using a fresh water supply. Discussions are currently taking place with several organisations and service providers to identify the most practical and effective solution. However, due to the ongoing water loss and the significant volume of water required to meaningfully raise lake levels – a 0.5m lake fill equates to 2.5 million litres of water – it is important to be clear that any temporary refill may only provide short-term improvement while permanent repairs are arranged.
At the same time, work is underway to procure specialist contractors to undertake desilting and repair works to the lake. These works will require the lake to be fully drained to allow repairs to be completed safely and effectively. Subject to contractor availability and suitable tidal conditions, the Council is currently expecting this work to commence in mid-July, to coincide with the next high tide that could potentially replenish the lake levels subject to the correct environmental conditions.
The welfare of wildlife at the lake remains an important consideration throughout this project, and officers will continue to monitor conditions closely while repairs are progressed.
We appreciate the strong interest shown by residents and thank the community for its patience and understanding while these necessary works are planned. Further updates will be provided as arrangements are confirmed and works progress.
