If you have plans to hit the beach you may want to avoid Lake Banook.
Halifax Regional Municipality is out with a risk advisory for Birch Cove Beach due to a possible blue-green algae bloom.
Residents are encouraged to avoid swimming in the area as investigation is underway to figure out if it’s a toxin producing algae.
Some types of blue-green algae produce toxins during blooms, which can be released until the water when those blooms decay, posing a threat to people and pets.
HRM has issued several tips for those who use the lake:
- Avoid water contact. If contact occurs, wash with tap water as soon as possible;
- Do not swim or wade (or allow your pets to swim or wade) in any areas where blue-green algae is visible or in areas where a risk advisory has been issued;
- Avoid consuming water from this lake; and,
- Avoid consuming fish that has come from this lake.
Some of the symptoms that can take place due to contact with the blue-green algae include skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea, and vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Children and immune-compromised individuals are at a higher risk.
