The Capital Regional District (CRD) announced that another beach has been inflicted with a blue-green algae boom.
Earlier this week on Monday, October 16th, the CRD announced that Eagle Beach at Elk\Beaver Lake Regional Park had a blue-green algae bloom and recommended people steer clear of this beach until the advisory is lifted.
Now, they have extended the algae advisory to Hamsterly Beach, a mainstay location for dog-walkers, leisure-seekers and lake-swimmers alike.
Hamsterly Beach is located just north of Eagle Beach on Elk Lake and is the most popular recreational beach in the area.
The CRD warns that blue-green algae can be dangerous because it can produce cyanotoxins which can cause damage to the liver or even death if ingested at high enough doses.
Low exposure to the blooms will simply cause abdominal pain and headaches in humans.
These blooms are of particular danger to dogs who swim and drink from blue-green algae contaminated waters.
The CRD advises keeping dogs on leashes if they are to be walked in this area of Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park to avoid any accidental exposure.
“The algae usually produce a visible blue-green sheen, which appears as surface scum on the water,” said the CRD in an advisory regarding the newfound bloom.
“Not all blooms are easy to see and toxins can still be present in the water even if you cannot see a bloom.”
The CRD advises those who come in contact with a bloom to rinse their body immediately with soap and water.
If a pet has come into contact with a bloom, contact a veterinarian for advice.
An advisory will remain in effect on the area until the CRD deems the waters clear of the bloom.
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