Vancouver Coastal Health has issued a ‘not suitable for swimming’ advisory for Alice Lake. Alice Lake is undergoing testing for the presence of blue-green algae, and VCH is advising park users not to swim there.
However, Stump, Fawn and Edith Lakes are all open as alternatives for swimming; access for these is via the Four Lakes Trail.
An advisory of “unsuitable for swimming” is issued when swimmers have an increased risk of illness. The public is advised not to swim or wade in the water until the advisory is removed. Seniors, infants, children, and people with weakened immunity are the most susceptible.
Cyanobacteria blooms are sometimes called blue-green algae, though they can cause blooms in a range of colours, including bright blue, red, brown and green, according to HealthLinkBC. Though cyanobacteria can be found in all kinds of bodies of water, it is more common for them to grow in shallow, slow-moving or still water. This includes ponds, wetlands, freshwater shorelines, lakes, streams, and rivers.
Cyanobacteria can produce toxins that can poison people, pets or livestock. Symptoms from contact with water contaminated with cyanobacteria include skin rashes and irritation of the ears and eyes.
