Toxic blue-green algae growth halts water activities at Bayfront Park

Public Health is warning people and their pets to stay out of the water at Bayfront Park and at Pier 4 after tests showed the presence of toxin-producing blue-green algae.

The agency said this algae makes it dangerous to swim and they’re warning people not to come into contact with the water at all.

“It’s an algae that grows after heavy rain events and things of that sort,” Public Health’s Richard MacDonald said. “Soil runoff ends up in the water.”

According to Public Health adverse affects are mainly caused from drinking the water. However, coming into contact with blue-green algae can also cause skin irritations and in more serious cases nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

“If you come into contact with the water you should wash it with fresh clean water and if you do develop any symptoms after coming into contact with the water you should contact your physician,” MacDonald advises.

Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said western Lake Erie is also expected to be a hot spot for algae blooms this summer.

If you do want to get out on the water, Hamilton City officials said Van Wagners, Beach Boulevard, Christie Lake, Binbrook and the beach at Valen’s Conservation Area are all safe for swimming.