SA Health warn of blue green algae outbreak at Point Sturt to Goolwa Barrage

It may be unseasonably warm this weekend, but authorities have issued a stern warning to those planning a dip at a popular swim spot.

A warning has been issued over a blue-green algae outbreak at Goolwa Channel.

It might be unseasonably warm this weekend, but authorities have issued a stern warning to those wanting to swim at a popular swim spot over the weekend.

SA Health advises people to avoid swimming, diving or other activities that might involve accidental ingestion of water from the Goolwa Channel after testing identified elevated levels of potentially harmful blue green algae.

An SA Health spokesperson said the affected area stretches from Point Sturt to Goolwa Barrages where water samples showed elevated levels of the algae.

Victor Harbor, Middleton and Port Elliot remain unaffected.

SA Health Principal Water Quality Adviser Dr David Cunliffe said, “you can still visit the area and enjoy its recreational options.”

“But please take care not to swim or dive in the channel or drink the water, and keep pets and children well clear,” Dr Cunliffe said.

Pelicans at the Goolwa barrage . Picture: Bernard Humphreys

Unlike other forms of blue green algae, the species detected generally does not form scums, so is not easily visible to the naked eye.

It is the same form of algae that closed Lake Alexandrina to swimming and diving from March to August in 2024.

This time around the elevated levels do not extend past Port Sturt leaving the rest of Lake Alexandrina unaffected.

“If you have been in the water in this section of the Goolwa Channel and start to feel unwell you should see your GP and tell them you might have been exposed to blue green algae” Dr Cunliffe said.

“Dogs are also vulnerable and should be kept out of the water because the algae can stick to their fur and be ingested if they groom themselves.”

Direct contact with the water could cause irritation to the skin, eyes, ears, nose and mouth.

Swallowing water containing the algae can cause gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.

Originally published as SA Health warn of blue green algae outbreak at Point Sturt to Goolwa Barrage