Victorians hoping to take a dip in Prior Lake this afternoon would do better to pick a different water body.
As of Thursday, the CRD has issued an advisory against swimming in Prior Lake – located at the north end of Thetis Lake Regional Park – due to the presence of toxic blue-green algae.
See also: Beaver Lake closed to swimming after algae bloom detected
When present, the algae usually produces a visible blue-green sheen, which appears as surface scum. However, not all blooms are easy to see and toxins can still be present in the water even if you cannot see them.
Blue-Green Algae Bloom at Prior Lake (Thetis Lake Regional Park) – There is a visible blue-green algae bloom at Prior Lake. People and pets should avoid swimming in the lake. https://t.co/7vruqzEhbn #crdalert
— CRD (@crd_bc) August 29, 2019
If ingested, the algae can cause a range of harmful symptoms, including headaches and abdominal pains. For other animals, like dogs, it could also cause lethal liver damage.
During toxic blue-green algae warnings, the CRD advises against entering the water and keeping pets on leashes.
