Oakfield Beach closed due to possible blue-green algae bloom again

A sign warning of blue-green algae blooms is pictured at Oakfield Park Beach in Oakfield, N.S., on July 16. (Paul DeWitt/CTV Atlantic)

A popular Halifax-area beach has closed for a second time after a possible blue-green algae bloom was spotted.

The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents to stay out of the water at Oakfield Park Beach, which has been closed for recreational use.

“Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) are naturally occurring in freshwater environments and may grow when weather conditions are calm and warm,” said HRM in a statement. “Some types of blue-green algae produce toxins which can pose a risk to people and pets.”

The beach closed earlier this summer on July 16 following another possible blue-green algae bloom. It reopened on July 28.

Water quality is regularly tested by staff at all supervised municipal beaches from July 1 to Aug 31.

HRM says beaches close when a blue-green algae bloom is present and initial testing is done to determine whether the bloom is producing toxins.

“If it is not a toxin-producing algae bloom, no further testing is required, and the beach will be reopened,” explained HRM.

“If it is a toxin-producing blue-green algae bloom, further testing will be carried out and the beach will remain closed until blooms have disappeared and post-bloom test results indicate the toxin concentration is within Health Canada guidelines.”

While the beach is closed, HRM asks residents to:

• avoid water contact; if contact occurs, towel off vigorously and wash with tap water as soon as possible.
• don’t 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 says anyone who comes into contact with blue-green algae should keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

• skin irritation
• rash
• sore throat
• sore red eyes
• swollen lips
• fever
• nausea

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