Fishing, boating and swimming banned on River Murray, Lake Bonney starts to grow algae

Non-essential boating, fishing, swimming and other recreational activities have been banned in SA as flood waters surge. Here’s everything you need to know, including what’s deemed “essential”.

Non-essential boating, swimming, fishing and other recreational aquatic activities have been banned on the River Murray between the South Australian border and Wellington.

The immediate ban is set to protect infrastructure and the safety of river users and property owners.

The restrictions will also limit the number of properties which will require power disconnection as waters continue to rise toward their expected peak.

The following restrictions are effective immediately:

“This is a closure that takes effect immediately and will be in place for some time as we confront the ever increasing flows of water coming down across the border,” Premier Peter Malinauskas said.

The restrictions apply on all parts of the river between the border and the Wellington Ferry, including all creeks, tributaries, lakes, lagoons and other bodies of water connected to it, with the exception of Lake Bonney.

A maximum $10,000 fine will apply to any person or vessel operator found to breach any of the restrictions.

“I would urge people to obey the directions because it’s in their best interest. There’s a lot of debris in the river at the moment, a lot of it is below the surface and given the colour of the river it’s very difficult to see,” said Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams.

Marine safety teams and SAPOL officers will continue to have an increased presence on the water.

River users are reminded not to swim, ride, walk or drive through high flow waterways.

Blue-green algae choking Lake Bonney

Meanwhile, blue-green algae has contaminated parts of Lake Bonney prompting health authorities to issue a warning against swimming at the popular Riverland spot.

Locals raised the alarm on social media when the water began to discolour and smell.

Riding a jet ski will be among the activities banned on the River Murray.

It follows a decision made by the Berri Barmera Council and SA State Emergency Service to cut off the lake from the River Murray to prevent damage associated with rising flood waters.

As reported by the ABC, SA Health said it was made aware of “very low numbers of green or blue-green algae” last week, but evidence provided on Monday indicated the presence of “higher concentrations”.

Blue-green algae in Lake Bonney. Picture: Shonnie Jordan

The department said that “unless large volumes are ingested, the most likely health impact is skin irritation” and has advised people “not to swim in parts of the Lake with coloured surface films or scums”.

The species and concentration of the algae is yet to be identified, but the CSIRO said if the algae can release toxins it could take “more than three months” to degrade.

SA State Emergency Service chief executive Chris Beattie said the plan was to reopen Lake Bonney to the river “after the peak flow goes through”.

“We are aware that the isolation of that lake from the main river flow will increase some environmental concerns,” Mr Beattie said.

“We’ve got strategies in place to open up that temporary levee as soon as we practically can.”

Modern-day ‘Noah’ in wildlife water rescues

Animal lover Mark Aldridge has used $3000 raised from his GoFundMe plea to buy a boat to rescue wildlife trapped in floodwaters.

Mr Aldridge and his wife, who own Willow Wood Sanctuary in Penfield Gardens, have made it their daily mission to save the lives of animals.

On Friday, Mr Aldridge and Garry Temple, rescued 18 kangaroos that were displaced by floods in Blanchetown.

“We’ve been through disasters before but this one is worse because of access,” Mr Aldridge said.

“Seeing these animals run into the water and knowing that they’re going to drown is the worst thing.”

Mark Aldridge with the boat he bought from fundraising to help him rescue kangaroos and other wildlife from the River Murray floods.

The boat bought by Mark Aldridge he bought from fundraising to help him rescue kangaroos and other wildlife from the River Murray floods.

After seeing the devastating impacts the floods were having on wildlife, Mr Aldridge decided that he would need his own boat in order to save as many animals as possible.

“We saw all sorts of animals in trouble and there seems to be no one that can do it so we thought we better set something up,” he said.

The wildlife warrior put up a GoFundMe on Sunday which has so far landed 33 donations equalling $3,510.

Mr Aldridge thought he would have to purchase a smaller boat which he feared would impact their rescue ability. However, a generous friend said he would sell them his old oyster boat for the discounted price of $3000.

“We will be able to rescue larger amounts … this particular boat should be able to get right in and access where they are,” Mr Aldridge added.

Excess money will go to the vet treatment Mr Aldridge told The Advertiser.

Originally published as Fishing, boating and swimming banned on River Murray, Lake Bonney starts to grow algae