Nicola Lake (Photo via TNRD)
Interior Health has closed the beach along Nicola Lake, northeast of Merritt, because of the presence of an “active toxin-producing cyanobacteria bloom.”
The closure order – which includes Monck Provincial Park, located off Highway 5A – was issued Thursday, July 13.
“Beach closures are issued if it is identified that a beach or body of water poses a serious risk to the health and safety of recreational water users,” Interior Health said, in a statement.
“Users are advised to avoid any contact with the beach and recreational water area (i.e. boating, paddling, playing in the wet sand).”
.@Interior_Health has issued a beach closure for all of Nicola Lake due to an algae bloom and the presence of a toxin in the lake.
For details on this Beach Advisory, and for information about algae blooms, please refer to this Interior Health webpage: https://t.co/3ITlvs8khQ pic.twitter.com/9gPnFDmpZX
— TNRD (@TNRD) July 13, 2023
IH says while cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, is a natural part of the aquatic environment, prolific growth can cause cyanobacteria blooms to form, resulting in water either looking or smelling bad.
“Cyanobacteria can also produce toxins called microcystins, which can be poisonous to people, pets or livestock,” IH added. “Beach users can be exposed to these toxins by accidentally drinking water that contains a bloom, or by getting it on their skin during recreational activities.”
Swimming in these waters is also discouraged with people being told to rinse their body with clean water if they come into contact with cyanobacteria blooms.
