HALIFAX: Oakfield Park Beach near Enfield has once again been closed to swimming due to the possible presence of a blue-green algae bloom. The closure, which was announced by the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), is the second such incident this summer.
The HRM is advising residents and visitors to avoid all recreational water use at the beach. Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are a natural occurrence in freshwater environments and thrive in warm, stagnant water. Some types of these algae can produce microcystins, a toxin that poses a health risk to both humans and pets.
Symptoms of exposure can include skin irritation, rashes, sore throat, red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. The HRM recommends that anyone who comes into contact with the algae should wash thoroughly with clean tap water as soon as possible.
The beach will remain closed until further testing confirms that the water is safe for recreational use and the toxin concentration is within Health Canada guidelines.
