Blue-green algae are tiny organisms which occur naturally in lochs, ponds and reservoirs. They commonly occur during periods of prolonged hot weather but sometimes occur at other times of the year.
In still waters, the algae can multiply to such an extent that they discolour the water, which then appears green, blue-green, greenish brown or dark brown. Sometimes a scum may form on the surface. This scum can appear in different places at different times but is most commonly found at the water's edge or shoreline.
Swimmers and water sport participants who have either swum through algal scum or swallowed it have suffered from skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea and pains in muscles and joints. Illnesses can be severe, particularly where affected water has been swallowed.
For the past several summers, Perth and Kinross Council has advised the public that blue-green algae may be present in inland lochs within their catchment.
What do LESC do?
Sailing activity at LESC has never been disrupted due to blue green algae. The loch is a very deep body of water.
Our events teams consider the risks during events, but ultimately, the loch is a wild and natural area, and the decision to participate lies with the responsible parent or guardian.
What are Perth and Kinross doing?
"Perth and Kinross Council, NHS Tayside, and SEPA are involved in managing the risks associated with blue-green algae. This is extremely difficult given the increased occurrence due to the warmer, wetter climate and the fact that the algae can appear and disappear in a very short time period. Blue-green algae naturally occur around lochs and watercourses, and due to this, Perth and Kinross Council is unable to mitigate the occurrence of such events. When alerted to the presence of blue-green algae, we will erect signs around the affected areas to inform the public to be vigilant of the ongoing or possible blooms. However, the public should be on alert for the possibility of algal blooms throughout the year.
These signs will remain in place over the summer period when blooms may occur, and our aim is to raise awareness to enable members of the public to make informed decisions and be responsible for themselves with regards to potential risks. Please note that, although the signage is located at various parts of the loch/water body, the advice is applicable across the entire loch or watercourse, as the algae can be dispersed and move throughout the loch with the weather and currents.
Information is also sent out to owners and users of water bodies around Perth and Kinross Council ahead of the summer season to provide information and guidance on how to identify blooms and how to report them.
Perth & Kinross Council run a public information video through the summer months on Facebook to highlight the presence of blue-green algae and send out notifications through Facebook and Twitter when we are alerted to confirmed cases."
For more information visit Perth and Kinross Council website here