With Australia Day just days away, holiday-makers and locals are being reminded NOT to swim in Lake Ainsworth.
Last week, council issued a red alert, due to an outbreak of toxic blue-green algae.
Testing on Monday revealed levels have increased… and Ballina Shire Council’s environmental health officers expect they’ll continue to rise in the coming days.
People who have been swimming in the lake recently are advised to watch out for gastro symptoms and rashes.
“In the morning when it is still conditions you will see it on the shore, it can look like a spilled green paint and it can look quite thick and just when you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there because it is still present it just mixes through the water column as the wind comes up over the day.”
The popular lake is expected to remain closed for at least another 10 days.
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