Pier 4 Beach closed

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A warning about Hamilton’s Pier 4 Beach for people and their pets.

City officials say water tests show the presence of toxin-producing blue-green algae. That type of algae can cause irritation and itching if it comes into contact with the skin and if a lot of it is present in the water, it can cause more serious health effects such as headaches, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

Anyone who has come into contact with water at Pier 4 beach and is experiencing those symptoms should contact their doctor. And anyone who comes into contact with the water in the future should wash themselves off as soon as possible with clean water.

Pets should also be kept out of the water at Pier 4 beach as well.

It’s important to note that blue-green algae blooms have also been observed at several locations along the western shoreline of Hamilton Harbour. That includes the Harbour West Marina and the Bayfront Park boat launch.

Contact with the water while launching or trailering watercraft should also be avoided. Bayfront Park beach is currently closed for the 2016 swimming season due to a history of high levels of e-coli bacteria and the toxin-producing blue-green algae.