Swimmers warned to avoid Lake Charlegrark

Parks Victoria said it had detected high levels of blue-green algae in the body of water near Minimay on Wednesday morning.

Area chief ranger Zoe Wilkinson said Parks Victoria had installed warning signs for visitors and added information on its website.

“While we can’t treat the blue-green algae at Lake Charlegrark … we’ll continue to monitor the lake and will update our advice once it has naturally cleared, which could be some months from now,” she said.

A Parks Victoria spokesperson warned people about health impacts. 

“Direct contact with blue-green algae can cause allergic reactions such as skin rashes or itchiness, sore eyes, ears and nose, and if swallowed gastroenteritis, nausea or vomiting,” the spokesperson said.

“People who come into contact with contaminated water should wash immediately in fresh water, and seek medical advice if experiencing illness.

“Any fish harvested from blue-green algae affected water should have gills and guts removed prior to cooking. People should not eat whole fish, shellfish or crustaceans collected from Lake Charlegrark.

“The type of algae affecting the lake produces toxins that can concentrate in shellfish and crustaceans, and accumulate in the liver and internal organs of fish. Ingesting blue-green algae toxins can lead to serious illness. 

“Water from the affected water body should not be used for drinking, cooking or other domestic uses. Boiling the affected water will not make it safe for use.” 

The spokesperson said anyone experiencing health issues after contact with blue-green algae-affected water should seek medical advice immediately.