A UK seaside hotspot has been urgently closed following the discovery of a toxic bacteria.
Visitors have been urged to stay away from the water and to keep pets on leads.
The toxic bacteria was spotted in the water Credit: Alamy
Rutland Water beach, in Oakham, has been closed after signs of toxic blue-green algae were spotted in the area.
As the UK’s only inland Blue Flag beach, the 140-meters of sandy shoreline is typically open throughout the summer months.
However, today (July 10) officials have had to temporarily close the site to nearby reisdents and visitors while the algea is being monitored.
Blue-green algae blooms, also known as cyanobacteria, occur naturally in lakes, streams and ponds, and appear as a suspended mass of greenish algae.
However, blooms have recently been exacerbated as a result of the hot weather, with an increase in reported sightings in bodies of water across the UK.
In a statement uploaded to Facebook, Rutland Water officials said: “We’re temporarily closing the beach at Rutland Water after seeing signs of blue-green algae in the swimming area.
“As a precaution, SUP hire and day launch also won’t be available until further notice, and we’re asking visitors to keep dogs out of the water and away from the shoreline.
“The good news is that things can change quickly. A change in the weather can make a big difference, so we’ll keep reviewing the situation and let you know as soon as the beach can reopen.
“In the meantime, all our other activities are open as normal – from watersports and Aqua Park, to mini golf, cycle hire and more.”
The EA has warned that Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) can kill wild animals, farm livestock and , and symptoms of algae poisoning can present as vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures or breathing difficulties.
When in contact with humans, the toxic organism can also cause skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, and muscle and joint pain.
The agency advised to “avoid contact with it and the water close to it” and pet owners “should keep their animals away from affected waters”.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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