Oakfield Park Beach closed due to presence of possible blue-green algae bloom

A sign warning of blue-green algae blooms is pictured at Oakfield Park Beach in Oakfield, N.S. (Paul DeWitt/CTV Atlantic)

A popular swimming spot in the Halifax area is closed due to the presence of a 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