The Flemish city of Ghent has advised that residents avoid partaking in water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding in the city’s waterways due to the presence of blue algae. Swimming is strictly prohibited.
These recommendations, issued on Friday, follow a report from the Flemish Environment Agency, which detected the presence of this toxic bacteria in the Lieve, the Lys, the Visserij, the Achtervisserij, the Scaldis lock, the lock of Sint-Joris and the lock of Brusselsepoort in particular.
The bathing ban does not apply to the pond in the Blaarmeersen recreational area, as no blue algae have been detected there for the moment.
Blue algae are potentially toxic cyanobacteria. They can be harmful to humans and animals that come into contact with it or swallow contaminated water. They can in particular cause skin irritations, headaches, gastric and intestinal disorders, respiratory disorders and allergic reactions.
The Flemish Environment Agency carries out regular water checks. The result of these checks will determine the duration of the ban.
