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Sandy Lake Beach closed due to possible blue-green algae bloom

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The city says Sandy Lake Beach is closed for recreational use after blooms of toxic blue-green algae was found.

The announcement comes shortly after Kearney Lake Beach closed for the same reason.

Blue-green algae is found naturally in freshwater in Nova Scotia, and may grow when weather conditions are calm and warm, according to the city. 

The HRM says some  types of blue-green algae produce toxins which can pose a risk to people and pets, and that children and immune-compromised individuals are at a higher risk.

People who come in contact with blue-green algae blooms or ingest water containing blue-green algae blooms may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.

The city says water users are encouraged to take the following precautions:

  • Avoid water contact. If contact occurs, towel off vigorously and wash with tap water as soon as possible.
  • Do not 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-leash and do not allow them to consume blue-green algae material.
  • Avoid consuming water from this lake.
  • Avoid consuming fish that has come from this lake.

The municipality monitors for blue-green algae at certain supervised beaches from July 1 to August 31.

HRM says there is a list of alternative supervised beach locations on the city’s website.

kearney lake

Kearney Lake Beach closed for the season after toxic blue-green algae found

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The city says Kearney Lake Beach is closed for the season after municipal staff tested the water quality for bacteria and found a potential bloom of toxic blue-green algae.

Halifax Parks and Recreation says all swimming lessons have been cancelled, and that more testing in the area is underway.

Blue-green algae is found naturally in freshwater in Nova Scotia all the time, and are known as some of the oldest organisms on Earth, according to the municipality.

They say that certain types of this algae can produce toxins called microcystins. These blooms are known to have negative impacts for people and pets, especially in high concentrations. It mainly targets the skin, liver, kidneys, and digestive system.

Children and immune-compromised individuals are at a higher risk.

The city says water users are encouraged to take the following precautions:

  • Avoid water contact. If contact occurs, towel off vigorously and wash with tap water as soon as possible.
  • Do not 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-leash and do not allow them to consume blue-green algae material.
  • Avoid consuming water from this lake.
  • Avoid consuming fish that has come from this lake.

The municipality monitors for blue-green algae at certain supervised beaches from July 1 to August 31.

HRM says there is a list of alternative supervised beach locations on the city’s website.

a no jumping diving or swimming sign on a wooden pier

Rothesay warns of low water levels at Renforth beach

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The Town of Rothesay is warning residents to avoid jumping or diving from the raft and wharf at Renforth Beach because of unusually low water levels.

According to town officials, lifeguards recently measured water depths of about 10 feet at the end of the wharf and seven feet at the raft.

The shallow conditions have prompted safety concerns, with lifeguards advising that diving or jumping from either structure is unsafe at this time.

The town says water levels are being monitored on an ongoing basis and updates will be provided if conditions change.

Residents are encouraged to use caution while visiting the beach and waterfront area.

focus photo of brown sand

Three Saint John beaches reopen after E. coli closure

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Three Saint John swimming spots have reopened after temporary closures due to high E. coli levels.

In an update posted to its website Thursday, the City of Saint John announced that following additional testing, Public Health has cleared the way to lift the swimming advisories.

Tucker Park Beach, Dominion Park Beach, and Fisher Lake were closed late last week after being deemed unsafe by health officials.

RELATED: Four Saint John-area beaches temporarily closed due to E. coli

The city said effective immediately advisory signs will be removed, and the public is welcome to resume swimming.

E. Coli is a group of bacteria that can cause infections in your gut (GI tract), urinary tract, and other parts of your body if exposed to certain strains.

Shiga toxin-producing E. Coli is the most likely strain to cause severe illness.

All three swimming spots were originally scheduled to open on June 22.