Halifax-area beach reopens following blue-green algae bloom
A Halifax-area beach has reopened after a possible blue-green algae bloom was spotted earlier this month.
The Halifax Regional Municipality says Oakfield Park Beach in Oakfield was closed on July 16 so toxin levels could be tested after what appeared to be blue-green algae was spotted in the water.
HRM says the beach has reopened as toxin levels are within Health Canada limits according to test results, and no new algae has been seen.
Staff regularly test 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.
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
For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
National Post
7 minutes ago
- National Post
Ottawa Hospital satellite clinic tends to Ironman athletes
Those at an Ottawa Hospital satellite clinic worked hard Sunday to take pressure off hospital emergency rooms across the city as thousands of Ironman athletes pushed themselves to the limit. Article content Approximately 3,000 registered athletes swam, biked and ran across Ottawa and Gatineau at the first-ever Ironman event in the National Capital Region. Article content The clinic, located near the finish line on Sussex Drive next to the National Art Gallery, was roughly 4,000 square feet, divided into wards, as well as areas for critical and monitored care. Article content Article content Six medical teams and 300 volunteers staffed the facility through the day, providing treatment for dehydration, injuries and heat-related issues. There were also teams scattered across the Ironman course to provide on-site medical services. Article content Article content First responders were stationed at the main medical tent and along the course to transfer patients. Article content Jackie Mace, captain of the main medical tent, said the clinic was a fully-equipped intensive care unit with cardiac monitors, AEDs, cardiac medication and equipment to intubate patients. Article content The goal was to divert patients from going to the hospital, she said. Usually, around 10 per cent of race participants will come into the tent for medical attention. Article content Article content 'The patient will come in really, really sick, but the minute that you get their core temperatures down to a much more normal level, they rebound really quickly. Article content 'They can come in looking like terrible near death, and an hour or two later, they're having conversation with you and are ready to go home. So that's why, this way, we avoid having all these patients from going to the hospital.' Article content Article content For the past decade, The Ottawa Hospital has led medical tent and on-course medical services for Ottawa Race Weekend. Article content Mace said the hospital has been streamlining satellite clinic operations for the past 15 years. Article content 'When we started 15 years ago, it was not this streamlined. We were kind of running by the seat of our pants. Now we really know what we're doing, and we know what we need, and so basically, we recruit volunteers for what we need. Article content 'So it works out quite well,' she said. Article content Karen Lawrence, a fundraiser and registered nurse at The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, has been leading medical teams at the satellite clinic for Ottawa Race Weekend since 2001.
CBC
38 minutes ago
- CBC
Union warns of 'record number' of paramedic suicides in B.C.
The Ambulance Paramedics of B.C. union, which represents more than 4,500 paramedics and emergency dispatchers, says there is a mental health crisis among first responders in the province. There have been four suicides among members in the first half of 2025, which is a record number, according to union spokesperson Ian Tait. While there are many contributing factors, understaffing and inadequate access to mental health supports are playing a role.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Special air quality statement in effect for London region
Haze hangs over downtown London, Ont. on July 31, 2025. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London) Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for the London region as wildfire smoke moves into the area. The areas it applies to are: Huron County Grey County Perth County Middlesex County Elgin County Lambton County Oxford County Environment Canada said air quality and visibility will vary as things can change quickly. To prevent any health risks, you are reminded to limit time outdoors, consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities, and events. Mild and common symptoms to smoke exposure include: Eye, nose, and throat irritation Headaches Mild cough More serious symptoms are: Wheezing Chest pains A severe cough If you think you are having a medical emergency, you are to get immediate medical help.
