Cobden Beach in Whitewater Region has been closed for the time being.
That’s according to the Renfrew County and District Health Unit, which says there is suspected blue-green algae blooms in Muskrat Lake.
David Tantalo, Manager of Environmental Health with the Health Unit, says algae sometimes looks soupy on top of the water, and can lead to itchy eyes and skin or flu-like symptoms. While the algae found is not confirmed to be toxin-producing blue-green algae, Tantalo says the posting will likely remain up for the rest of the 2018 swimming season depending on water conditions.
The health unit says you should avoid swimming in water where there’s blue-green algae, not allow pets or livestock to drink from it, and to avoid using the water for any other purpose while algae blooms are visible.
All other beaches within Renfrew County and District are open to swimming at this time.