Swimming closed, advisory issued after poisonous blue-green algae discovered at Sunset Park Boat Launch

GREEN LAKE, Wis. — Sunset Park is closed to swimming and a security advisory is in place for its boat launch after officers confirmed poisonous blue-green algae is blooming alongside the shoreline.

The Green Lake Association introduced that water assessments on the Sunset Park Boat Launch got here again optimistic for microcystin, a toxin produced by blue-green algae. Workers additionally reported seeing seen algae blooms within the water.

While Sunset Park doesn’t have a delegated swimming seashore, the Green Lake County Public Health Department closed the realm to swimming and issued an advisory for boaters out of warning. Officials are urging everybody to keep away from any contact with the water within the affected areas till circumstances enhance.

Blue-green algae, also called cyanobacteria, can produce toxins which might be dangerous to people, pets, and native wildlife.

To keep protected, well being and lake officers advocate the next:

• Avoid the algae: Do not boat, swim, fish, or take part in different water actions in areas the place you see inexperienced scum, streaks, or discolored water.
• Protect youngsters and pets: Keep youngsters and pets fully away from any water that appears suspicious.
• Rinse off instantly: If you, your youngsters, or your pets contact the water, rinse off totally with clear, recent water as quickly as potential.
• Report sightings: If you see uncommon water circumstances elsewhere on the lake, report them to the Green Lake Association.

The Green Lake Association and native well being officers will proceed to observe the water by common visible checks and toxin testing. Updates shall be shared as circumstances change.