Oakfield Park Beach closed due to presence of possible blue-green algae bloom
The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents to stay out of the water at Oakfield Park Beach, which is closed for recreational use.
'When a blue-green algae bloom or mat is observed, a beach closure is issued and initial testing is done to determine whether it is a toxin-producing algae bloom,' said HRM in a news release Wednesday.
'If it is not a toxin-producing algae bloom, no further testing is required and the beach will be reopened. A public service announcement will be issued once the beach has reopened.'
HRM says it will conduct further testing if it is determined to be a toxin-producing blue-green algae bloom. The beach will remain closed until the blooms have disappeared and post-bloom test results show the toxin concentration is within Health Canada guidelines.
Staff regularly test the water quality at all supervised municipal beaches from July 1 to Aug. 31.
Blue-green algae occur naturally in freshwater environments and may grow when weather conditions are calm and warm. Some types of blue-green algae produce toxins that can pose a risk to people and pets.
People who visit the site are urged to take the following precautions:
avoid water contact; if contact occurs, towel off vigorously and wash with tap water as soon as possible.
don't swim or wade (or allow your children or pets to swim or wade) in any areas where blue-green algae is visible or in areas that have been closed to swimming due to possible blue-green algae
keep pets on a leash and do not allow them to consume blue-green algae material
avoid consuming water from the lake
avoid consuming fish that has come from the lake
HRM warns anyone who comes in contact with a blue-green algae bloom, or ingests water containing blue-green algae blooms, should watch for the following symptoms:
skin irritation
rash
sore throat
sore red eyes
swollen lips
fever
nausea
vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Anyone who comes in contact with a blue-green algae bloom and experiences these symptoms should seek medical help.
For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
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