Gilmour Point Park Beach in Battersea Temporarily Unsafe for Swimming

For Immediate Release                                                                                    

Gilmour Point Park Beach in Battersea Temporarily Unsafe for Swimming

On Friday September 17, 2021, the Kingston District Office of the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks received a notification regarding a possible harmful algae bloom at Gilmour Point Beach on Dog Lake in Battersea. It is anticipated that samples will be collected today and submitted to the Ministry’s laboratory for testing.

Until samples can be taken and tested, the Township is recommending that residents temporarily refrain from swimming at the beach, located at 1763 Wellington St. Battersea, until the Ministry of Environment can confirm that the adverse event has been resolved.

Blue-green algae blooms (sometimes called "pond scum") are large masses of a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria grow in warm, shallow or slow-moving water, especially if the water has been contaminated with fertilizer, sewage or phosphate soap. Certain species of blue-green algae can produce toxins that are referred to as cyanobacterial toxins or cyanotoxins.

In addition to no swimming, residents are encouraged to avoid entering or using lake water near the bloom, as well as restricting pet and livestock access to the water near the bloom. Human health effects from contact with these toxins may include: itchy, irritated eyes and skin from direct contact, and if large quantities of the toxins are swallowed, flu-like symptoms, such as headache, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Health related inquiries should be referred to your family physician or the KFL&A Public Health.

Signage warning against swimming will be posted at the beach to communicate the potential health risk that current conditions pose. Residents with additional questions can view the attached fact sheets or contact Jamie Brash, Manager of Facilities and Solid Waste, at 613-376-3027 ext. 3350 or via email at pwsupport@southfrontenac.net.

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For more information on this release please contact:

Emily Caird
Executive Assistant & Communications Officer
613-376-3027 ext.2260
communications@southfrontenac.net