Water activities and water recreation have been banned at the Heerenlaak marina in Maaseik (province of Limburg) due to the presence of potentially toxic cyanobacteria, known as blue algae, mayor Johan Tollenaere announced on Saturday (Open Vld) on social networks.
“The Flemish Environment Agency advised me to ban activities such as swimming, surfing, diving and water skiing. Other water recreation is also not permitted,” Mr Tollenaere explained, adding that warning signs had been placed on Saturday.
Blue-green algae pose a public health risk. They can be harmful to humans and animals that come into contact with or swallow contaminated water. They can thus cause skin irritations, headaches and gastric and intestinal disorders.
